Freeze Frame on DVD (2004)

A clever idea that needed a good script but didn't get one

Sarah from London, England , 03/09/2004

The directorial debut of John Simpson: he also wrote the script, and, I suspect, made the sandwiches too. The popular stand-up comedian Lee Evans came into the project out of the goodness of his heart, by all accounts. The idea of a man so traumatised by being wrongly accused of a triple murder that he keeps himself under camera surveillance 24/7 is a good starting point, with lots of possibilities for clever camera angles and filming tricks. Unfortunately Simpson's script is nothing but cliches and the plot is pretty hopeless, frankly. The film's one redeeming quality, and the reason I give three stars, is the remarkable performance of Lee Evans. Shaven of all body hair (ouch), he is tense, vulnerable and distinctly uncomfortable to watch.

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Very Promising

simonlogan from Edinburgh [Highly rated reviewer] , 07/03/2005

This one reminded me a lot of Darren Aronofsky's 'Pi' in the sense that they were both extremely creative with the use of cameras and technology and created a world that exists within and beside our own. Unfortunately the script just doesn't come up to scratch and lets the film down - it reminded me too much of an episode of some crappy ITV drama like Wire In The Blood. That said the director shows great promise in terms of style and it's great to see a British film that is trying something new rather than trying to ape Hollywood. (can anyone say Mel Smith...?)

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Dark and simple, but clever.

house236 from S.Wales. UK , 08/02/2005

Very surprised. Based my initial thoughts on other peoples reactions, but thought I'd give it a go. Liked the direction, loved the whole feel. Very dark. Lee Evans performance was outstanding. You need to be in the right frame of mind to watch it, but if you are, I think it is worth the time. Gave it 4 because I was genuinely impressed.

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A good performance

Nigel from Sutton, Surrey , 27/07/2005

I enjoyed this film, some good plot twists and clever filming. Lee Evans is worth watching and plays the paranoia very well. A good little film.

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Things To Remember.....

EcceCerevisia from Worcestershire , 05/02/2005

This film is certainly a break from the norm for funnyman Lee Evans. Evans presents us with a character who is always on camera... always on guard.

Paranoid that he is going to be set up for a crime Evans monitors himself on camera 24/7.

Evans is well cast looking portraying a mentally unsound person with great vigor. However the rest of the acting is to say the least...... 'lacking'. The script is flawed in the way that it focus' to much on Evans filming himself rather than the practicalities of doing so.

Overall I really enjoyed this thriller. There are parts of the film which are heart renchingly moving and it ends in a tremendous climatic event leaving 90% of the cast deceased.

Things To Remember (6): Never Stop Filming Yourself........... EVER.

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surprisingly good

peter jones from Cornwal, UK , 24/05/2005

This is an interesting twist on the murder mystery genre, and not just that the tale is being seen from the perspective of a suspect rather than the law. The film explores the effect of being accused (and presumed guilty) of high profile murders, on the life style and psyche of what would otherwise have been an ordinary (though I suspect slightly unstable) individual. I found the ending of this film a little too convenient for my liking since the film sticks to the tried, tested and clich?d formula of revealing the truth behind the plot that we see time and again on murder mystery shows, keeping the audience in the dark until a moment can be found for a wrong doers confessional complete with flashbacks to fill in the blanks for us. Though this said it does take an unexpected turn or two before all is said and done.

Over all it is a good film with a surprisingly good performance from lead man Lee Evans. Highly recommended

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