Deathwatch

[Bub]

Deathwatch is a strange film. The story tells of a group of British soldiers that take shelter in an abandhoned German trench. An unseen force begins to take out members of the group one by one, and suspicion grows.....

The acting in this oddball British film is very good and all the English actors give very good performances in their roles. Each came across as quite good. The real impact of the film was the bleak grey and brown, shady environment. It's so bleak and devoid that it really helps the viewer feel isolated. The dark night atmospheres are quite effective as well.

The FX, when seen, are decent. Corpses look quite realistic and work for the film's gritty advantage. Barbed wire is used to strange effect in the film and it works.

However, the story is a bit marred and the "twist" could have been explained a bit more thoroughly. But maybe that's just me. Deathwatch is a good flick. Worth a rent.

7/10

[Lavaboy]

I recall chatting a bit with the director of this film on-line at the MSN Movie Chatroom way back before its UK release. He came on to shamelessly plug his film to all the UK users. I PM'd him, and asked him who he was and what not just to see if he was a phony. I quickly checked on IMDB and he turned out to be the real deal. Deathwatch certainly blew me away. I went in expecting a mediocre film and what I got was pretty damn good. And as you said, the environment/setting was indeed very bleak and perfect for the film. Perfect for any horror film. I hope he decides to continue doing horror. We can use another English horror director other than Clive Barker.

[Lavaboy]

From: ---Lavaboy--- [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: 03 October 2004 00:43
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Congrats on Deathwatch

I recently viewed Deathwatch and as a long time horror fan I was thoroughly impressed by its acting and gloomy atmosphere. I was expecting a mediocre film based on the mixed reviews I read, but what I got was a damn good film! I hope you continue to direct/write horror films. God knows, we can certainly use another solid English horror director other than Clive Barker.
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From : Michael J Bassett <[e-mail]>
Sent : October 3, 2004 5:56:23 AM
To : "'---Lavaboy---'" <[e-mail]>
Subject : RE: Congrats on Deathwatch

Hi Steven,

Many thanks for taking the time get in touch. I'm glad you liked the film. You won't believe how many emails I get that begin "In spite of the mixed reviews...." Just goes to show that the critics don't know all that much. (of course there are a few emails that do tell me how shit the film is, so you can't win 'em all.)
Ironic that you should mention Clive Barker as he really liked my film too and we're working on something together next.

Best wishes,

M
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Cool, Clive Barker and Michael J Bassett...what an evil combination, hehe.

[Bub]

Lavaboy said:

I recall chatting a bit with the director of this film on-line at the MSN Movie Chatroom way back before its UK release. He came on to shamelessly plug his film to all the UK users. I PM'd him, and asked him who he was and what not just to see if he was a phony. I quickly checked on IMDB and he turned out to be the real deal. Deathwatch certainly blew me away. I went in expecting a mediocre film and what I got was pretty damn good. And as you said, the environment/setting was indeed very bleak and perfect for the film. Perfect for any horror film. I hope he decides to continue doing horror. We can use another English horror director other than Clive Barker.

Cool emails you have posted. It was very bleak indeed, and great horror films are usually bleak. At least the one's with courage enough to avoid Hollywood conventions.

[DeraiLer]

Fuckers! I have been wanting to see this forever!

[Bub]

Too bad. It ain't our problem.