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.

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 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 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.