Under Surveillance (2006) User Reviews

Surely they jest!?!

[Kashmirgrey · 2/10 · 5 March 2008]

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.

Felissa Rose deserves better

[movieman_kev · 2/10 · 1 June 2008]

Justin goes home to live with his strict, hard-nosed police detective father, but it seems daddy has turned the upstairs into three makeshift apartments each with bizarre tenants residing in them. Straight-laced idealist Justin is thrust into the world of the occult, murder, under-aged drinking and other dastardly things. Ho-hum

Wow, have I seen the same film that nearly all the other reviewers on here saw??? Clever, compelling, original, intense, clever, genius????!!? I witnessed none of those things. What I DID see was an uninteresting, bland, trite, extremely clichéd low-budget thriller that was ripe with implausibilities and no tension in the least bit as the killer is telegraphed as soon into the film as he gives his monologue/debate/discussion. And where are these humorous laugh-out-loud moments? I never so much as chuckled, perhaps because i was too busy struggling not to be put to sleep by the film.

My Grade: D

DVD Extras: Audio commentary with director Dave Campfield; Second commentary with various contributers as well as isolated music tracks; 4 featurettes (Making of, on the set, turning 1 room into 4, & Inside the black circle); Interviews with Felissa Rose, Desiree Gould, & Raine Brown; Alternate scenes; bloopers; a music video for 'Addiction'; A trailer for this movie; And trailers for "Shock-o-rama", "Chainsaw Sally", "Skin Crawl", "Sinful", "Bacterium", "Creature from the Hillbilly Lagoon", & "Millennium Crises"

This movie stinks!

[DarylJGittings · 1/10 · 31 July 2023]

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.

Triple Threat

[djrlw · 9/10 · 17 December 2005]

"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.

A very intense and smart thriller

[radguy25 · 7/10 · 27 October 2005]

Under Surveillance is a carefully crafted murder mystery tale by indie filmmaker David Campfield. He keeps things moody, atmospheric,and tense throughout the entire film. Part of the fun is guessing what will happen next.It pays homage to the films of Hitchcock, with a little Sliver thrown in for extra spice. The movie keeps you glued to your seat until the very end. It makes you think and reflect on human nature in general. What is it about snooping on other people that is so interesting? Everyone plays their lives out differently, and it's human nature to want to observe and learn from that. With a solid cast and very nice cinematography, I recommend Under Surveillance for a night of murder,mystery and intrigue. Keep up the good work Mr. Campfield, I look forward to seeing your future projects.

Fantastic thriller with great characters and humor

[JakeJarvi · 10/10 · 11 August 2006]

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.

Inventive, Entertaining Thriller

[webmail-24 · 7/10 · 10 August 2006]

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!

Clever, Compelling, and Highly Impressive film debut

[CDG-5 · 10/10 · 9 August 2005]

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.

Unknown Genius

[bobgrayproductions · 9/10 · 13 August 2006]

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.

Under Surveillance is OVER cool!

[felixfelix3000 · 10/10 · 26 October 2006]

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.

Clever,edge of your seat thriller

[darc15 · 8/10 · 17 March 2008]

Writer/Director Dave Campfield cast himself as the lead in his own film and it paid off big time, this man has talent in front and behind the camera. The film has a Hitchcock style well still remaining original. It's proves right more and more today that Independent films are the ones to see if your looking for a story that is rich, filmed on video a budget of around $30,000 Campfield manages to make this movie like it was made for much more. There's many characters and a lot happening and the amazing thing is how it all falls nicely together in the end. The cast was very good, providing characters that you believe in and care about, also the camera work is fantastic, the shots of the house from outside really set that creepy mood the film is looking for. Dark Chamber is a film filled with murder and mystery and it is a film that provides great atmosphere and suspense while keeping you glued to the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. It's hard to believe that on such a budget a film can be so thought-provoking and riveting, Director Dave Campfield may be a pretty darn good actor but he's also a Director worth keeping your eye out for. This is a film that was made by a group of people that believed in the script and in themselves and it paid off on screen. Fan's of the genre will not want to miss this one.