Shadow in the Trees

Though I am, admittedly, biased in reviewing this movie (I was raised in the same town as the people involved in this film and knew a number of them personally), I still believe that there is some backstory that one should know before watching this movie. I understand and respect the issues that the reviewers before me raise, but knowing the backstory of the film does help. I promise.

Previous reviewers had issues with the direction, acting, and lighting of the film, amongst other things, and largely struggled with how the film wreaked of amateurism. Maybe it would help viewers to know that this is the work of an amateur filmmaker! As far as I know, the budget was virtually nonexistent. Chris Smith was still extremely young when this was shot and did it, largely, in memory of his late father. Knowing that this film comes from someone with little to no formal education in filmmaking makes the feat much more impressive. It is also important to note that this was not actually made in 2007. The film was written and filmed a few years before it's official 2007 release. And for a young teenage filmmaker, a few years does make a great difference.

As for the acting: the cast was made up of friends of Chris Smith (many of whom, as one can tell by viewing the actor's IMDb profiles, did not pursue a career in acting). Again, the budget did not allow the filmmaker to hire any professional actors, pay for high tech lighting/equipment, or allow for lengthy post-production changes. He worked with what he had in order to make this film; this was a group of teenagers who got together in the middle of the forest and shot a feature-length film.

Considering that this is Chris Smith's first work, made while still a teenager, it makes me look forward to what else he has in store (If you need more proof of his capability watch his highly entertaining show, Dorm Life). This is a great starting point for an immensely dedicated filmmaker. I am not saying that this film will change your life or deserves any awards, I am simply saying that it is impressive given the means of those involved. Their dedication, hard work, and determination is evident, and knowing the backstory before watching the film makes a world of difference.

The quality was low, and I did feel like I was watching a low-budget film. I did watch it from beginning to end. It was a little slow moving at the beginning but it started moving along, and I had to watch it until the end. I think it was worth watching; the story line was good and intriguing, but I sort of knew the outcome before it ended. I love supernatural suspense films, and this did have my heart pounding in anticipation. I have watched really low budget films that I could not even finish to the end because they were so dumb and the actors were really bad, however this film was not like that; it may seem like it at first but it gets better. I am glad I watched it; I don't feel like it was a waste of my time. Overall I think it was worth the it.

Like another reviewer says, I have to respect anyone who makes a film, especially a feature-length film. I couldn't do it myself. And I'd hope that Chris Smith continues to work on films. But this film did not turn out well. Perhaps he will accept some advice:

First, less is more. This film is about 30 minutes too long, but seems even longer. I know that directors love their shots and scenes and hate to cut, but you have to be ruthless. The pacing in most scenes is simply glacial, and a great many are just unnecessary.

Second, work on blocking. It may be a cliché, but you need to have shots blocked and then edited so people face each other. You know, person on left looks to right, person on right looks to left. This is Film Basics 101.

Third, have someone objective read your script. Dialogue that seems great in your head often has a lot of flaws, whether logical, narrative, or other. Plus, some of your plot points are totally unrealistic, whether you intended them to be this way or not.

Fourth, if you can't afford good lighting, be creative in what you have. Some of your scenes look fine with natural lighting. Most don't.

Fifth, write and direct to the ability of the actors. Can't afford professionals? Then write to the actors you CAN get.

Overall, you put a lot of work into this film and some things work. (For example, the sound is quite good for a low-budget film.) Keep it up. The next one will be better. As for my advice to others, you can probably do without seeing this one.

lemme just say this movie gave me the absolute WORST headache of my life.....sound, lighting, acting....oh god it was atrocious. The movie plot was ridiculous. The whole thing was just one big giant mess.

thank god i saw it on netflix (what its doing on there i will never know) its cool and all that he made a movie....but this is one of those movies you keep in your closet....in the back...in the dark...where no one will find it. I actually sent to a friend to make them watch it so they can be annoyed with me. I definitely am not trying to offend anyone by writing this review. i am merely trying to save me people precious moments in their life.

I lost a parent 5 years ago and thought the film was helpful. Chris W. Smith tells a very personal story in memory of his late father. The story is excellent and has moral value.

This is not a Hollywood production--thank God. The film is the product of a beginning filmmaker on a budget, yet there are MANY good scenes and the sound is good.

I agree with some of the reviews regarding scenes that could have been edited out or shortened. The acting is OK, but I have seen much, much worse on Netflix. I didn't think the lighting was bad either, and some of the macro shots were quite good.

Chris W. Smith uses sound and glimpses of a creature in the style of M. Night Shyamalan that kept me in suspense; there are plenty of spooky scenes and worth watching.