Under Surveillance

I am handed many DVD's from filmmakers across the country at film festivals. In most cases I tell the filmmaker that I will check it out after I get home. Sparring myself from a face to face "What did you think of my film" conversation that in most cases can be brutally honest and unrewarding. At the Long Island International Film Expo a young director named Dave Campfield handed me a copy of his film "Under Surveillence" and asked me to tell him what I think. I gave him the "I'll check it out later" and threw it in my car. As I sat in my hotel room and realized that there really is nothing on cable I broke my rule and threw "Under Surveillence" into my laptop. I have watched it three times since. This film is a masterpiece. Smartly written and directed with characters you actually care about. For a first time filmmaker Dave Campfield hits a home run. His script is inventive and edgy and keeps you at the edge of your seat. What really impressed me was how well his cast performed. Everyone of his actors did a really good job and not an over-actor amongst them. Shot on video, "Under Surveillence" has the look and feel of film. Something he must have worked hard on in post. When it hits the video stores you have to check it out. You'll be glad you did.

I saw Under Surveillance at the Cleveland Indie Gathering film festival and was very impressed.

The film is clever, very well presented, and most importantly has a sense of fun lacking in many other films. The use of space and digital photography really shine, creating a moody atmosphere rarely visually present in DV film-making.

Though the opening is slow in a classic sort of way, and there are some confusing bits, Under Surveillance is well worth the watch. Some parts are absolutely brilliant, and the film is definitely entertaining. (It also seems Mr. Campfield might have an acting career ahead of him). Check it out if you get the chance!

The DVD title is "Dark Chamber", and the cover features a barebacked woman with a pentagram carved into her back. Believe me the film is nowhere near as awesome as the cover is.

Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) name on the cover might be a selling point, but unfortunately she nowhere near as dominant in the film as the placement of her name makes it appear. I'm always temped to grab newer horror movies when the have a cult favorites name on the box. I love seeing classic horror stars in new films!

Anyway, the movie is boring. There's no T & A to help offset the boredom. As for the acting, you'll find better acting in a grade school play. I mean these people make Charles Bronson look Oscar worthy.

I just saw this film at Terror Film Festival and it ROCKS! It brings suspense thriller to a whole new level and is so reminiscent of the great Hitchcock movies. Director Dave Campfield really shows his mastering of the film-making craft with turns and twists that leave you guessing until the very end. And the film also happens to contain one of the funniest moments in cinematic history. When you watch this film, keep an eye on what happens in the bedroom. It'll leave you in stitches! Also, the writing is superb. The script is just a roller-coaster ride of curve balls and red herrings, and you'll wonder if you heard that right and feel like you're IN the film. There are some really good films out there, but this one is a GREAT film.

I've seen a lot of low budget thrillers and this one is the best. Fantastic writing and outstanding performances keep the movie constantly moving. The moments of tension are built really nicely but the thing that really took me by surprise was the comedy. Very intelligent humor that draws from what the audience expects, surprises them, and isn't cheap. It's always nice to find a movie that gives the viewers some credit and doesn't play to the lowest common denominator.

Often times when a writer or director casts themselves in a movie it does a great disservice to the picture. But that is not the case with Dave Campfield's performance in this movie. His character provides many of the great comedic moments. If he hadn't pulled it off the movie could have fallen pretty flat.

I really enjoyed this movie. Dave Campfield is a filmmaker to watch.