Under Surveillance

I just finished "Dark Chamber" aka "Under Surveillance" and I'm stunned. Stunned, not by the film, but by some of the rave reviews I perused which influenced my watching it. The story was so ravaged by plot-holes and the majority of the acting so flat, categorizing it as a comedy seems appropriate. Seriously, I found myself shaking my head and laughing in bewilderment as I endured this movie.

Justin leaves the confines of living at home with a pain killer-addicted mom to go live with his cop father despite Mom's warnings that Dad is no good. When a young woman is found murdered, Justin becomes suspicious of the tenants who reside in the adjacent apartments. With the help of a couple pals, he installs covert cameras to keep tabs on these folks. As the truth begins to unravel, Justin uncovers an unexpected secret.

One positive point is that Felissa Rose is HOT! I would have generously slapped an extra star or two on here had she peeled down a bit, but no such luck. It would have been the film's potential saving grace. Eric Conley played Justin very adeptly, I thought, and I wouldn't be surprised whatsoever to see more of him in the future.

The general premise of the film, although plagued by clichés, might possibly have worked had it not been for the ridiculously hollow "performances" of key cast members, most notably Alexandra Eitel (Kayla) and David H. Rigg (Justin's father). The horror! (pardon the pun).

I have nothing against low-budget films. Indeed, I believe independent film is our only hope for decent film making in the days to come. I'll cut low-budget films quite a bit of slack when it comes to special effects, lighting, even musical score and the overall picture quality. I don't give allowances, however, for stick figure acting and a swiss cheese lover's script. There are a vast number of competently-made low budget films out there. Sadly, this isn't one of them. I can't help but suspect that at least a few of the reviewers who have praised "Dark Chamber" here are in some way affiliated with its production.

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.

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.

In Under Surveillance, Dave Campfield, in his first feature film, typifies the triple threat of writer, director, and actor (might we add, co-producer!). On a budget of $30,000, he transforms digital video into a slick, cinematic tour-de-force that rivals, if not surpasses, a 35mm concoction. He utilizes the camera's possibilities as a character in the cast, moving deftly and subliminally into and out of the mindset of mystery and psychological intrigue. He employs a writer's precision in pacing his screenplay with appropriate calibers of suspense and revelation, layering it with rich characterizations and subtext, brought to life by a compelling and well-assembled cast. Director of Photography Andrew Seltz maximizes the technical potential of digital video with lush and ominous color landscapes punctuated by Pixelvision-like black and white points of view of the surveillance cameras, offering us a peephole into the private lives of this repertory of players. Composer Evan Evans lends a haunting and enthralling score, reminiscent of early Bernard Herrmann, and contributes significantly to the overall tone of the piece. Under Surveillance is bound to elicit attention in the independent film arena; and as long as there are fine films to be seen and fine director/writers (such as Dave Campfield) to make them, it should secure a memorable place in that canon and beyond.

"Under Surveillance" is well cast and well acted by virtual unknowns. Director / Writer, Dave Campfield manages to maintain a constant sense of tension throughout the movie, reminiscent of many Hitchcock works.

Considering the film's meager budget of less than $30,000, the technical merit is most impressive. In this case, the fiscal restraints actually worked to the Director's advantage, as the film relies completely on raw talent, character development and story line, rather than being carried by special effects and over production.

What also struck me about this piece was the Mr. Campfield's ability to plausibly tie in such multi-faceted characters by the end of the film.

Special mention should be given to the outstanding score throughout the movie, originally written by Evan Evans and finalized by Joseph Bauer. Sound levels were right on the money and the music itself was more appropriate to the film's theme than most major motion picture scores.

Everyone associated with this film should feel comfortable in considering it a very positive addition to their professional resumes.

Dave Campfield poses a triple threat as Director / Writer / Actor of "Under Surveillance", satisfying all three capacities remarkably well. I look forward to viewing his next project.