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Reviews
Under Surveillance (2006)
Triple Threat
"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.
The Station Agent (2003)
Subtle but brilliantly performed
THE STATION AGENT
This has got to be one of the best character-driven movies I have ever seen. The chemistry between the 3 main actors (Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson & Bobby Cannavale) was nothing short of amazing. In my opinion the film succeeds in every possible way. Nothing more needs to be said and words would fall short in describing how good this movie was. It is a movie that must be seen. However, I would submit the following comments to possible viewers: 1) This movie is not for people who are looking for fast-paced action, suspense or special effects. Those viewers would most likely find this to be too dull for their tastes. 2) I have seen many people compare this movie to "Lost In Translation" which I didn't care for at all. Had I read those reviews before seeing this, I might have never given "The Station Agent" a try. Not only did I find the principal characters in "The Station Agent" to be believable, but I truly got involved in their lives, which I didn't experience at all with "Lost In Translation". 3) I also noticed that some people write that this movie is about living as a dwarf. Thanks to Peter Dinklage's excellent acting that is just one element to his character's (Fin) life, just as Olivia's separation from her husband & loss of her young son or Joe's desperation for friendship are elements to their lives. The story to me is more about three socially-challenged individuals that come together to form a very unique bond. This is one of the few movies that I would not only recommend viewing but actually buying for anyone who loves great subtle acting. I rated the movie a 9 out of 10. Why, not a 10? Too short. I reserve 10 rating for pictures that are well over 2 hours in length as I feel it is very difficult to make a picture of that length with the ability to hold the average film-goers attention. A few examples would be "Cast Away" 143 minutes, "Dances With Wolves" 180 minutes, "JFK" 188 minutes or "Forrest Gump" 141 minutes. True enough, these films all had huge budgets and "The Station Agent" was made for a fraction of the cost. OK -- it's a 10!
Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)
critically acclaimed film?
ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW
Other than the acting of Miranda July & John Hawkes who both play quirky and interesting characters I cannot understand why this film is critically acclaimed. The movie did hold my interest but I found it to be disjointed. Just when you are getting interested in the socially challenged characters mentioned above, the filmmakers take you in another direction. Thus, the plot never develops any substance, leaving you disappointed in the end. I would have enjoyed this movie so much more if it left you thinking about all the offbeat people out there that are the misfits of life, just trying to exist from day to day. Instead this film left me thinking why a screenwriter would write such a perverse line for a 7 year old to say as "I poop in you, you poop in me and we poop back and forth, forever". Better yet, why would parents allow such a young kid to say such a disturbing and disgusting line? In summary I find it sad that the Sundance, Cannes, Philadelphia, San Francisco and LA Festivals thought this to be deserving of awards. I know that there is better talent out there. Could it be that the filmmakers of "ME YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW" knew someone to get such awards?
Formosa (2005)
Unique & refreshing subject matter
Being a film buff, it was suggested to me by another young and very talented writer, director & actor Dave Campfield (see "Under Surveillance") to give this film a try.
I found this movie to be a very pleasant piece with unique subject matter, the plight of a washed-up social guidance filmmaker who partners up with a young mysterious loner. Although I was disappointed in the typical Hollywood ending, I thoroughly enjoyed Steven Gilborn's acting, which brought class and professionalism to this story. Though this movie was listed under the comedy genre, I would categorize it as a light-hearted drama with some humorous moments. The direction of this film is quite good although a bit slow at times. This could possibly be intended by the director in order to stay with the retro, late 50's early 60's feel. The cinematography and the film as a whole has a polished feel to it for a low budget movie.
The writers and director of this film have great potential and I would look forward to their next project. I would suggest that they follow up with something offering a little more edge and get away from the Hollywood ending, but for now if you get the opportunity to see this one it is worth a look.