Freeze Frame (2004)

83% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
58% of users liked it
(2,406 ratings)

They say that just because you're paranoid it doesn't mean someone isn't really out to get you, and a man learns the truth behind that little joke in this British thriller. Sean Veil (Lee Evans) was accused of the gruesome murder of a woman and her two children on the basis of circumstantial… More They say that just because you're paranoid it doesn't mean someone isn't really out to get you, and a man learns the truth behind that little joke in this British thriller. Sean Veil (Lee Evans) was accused of the gruesome murder of a woman and her two children on the basis of circumstantial evidence, and when the case gained nationwide media attention, he found himself portrayed as a violent psychopath in the press, even though he was cleared of all charges. The constant scrutiny and bitter accusations had a profound effect on Veil, and now, deeply paranoid, he lives in a tiny basement apartment, where he obsessively videotapes his every move in order to have an alibi against future accusations, and even straps a camera to his chest whenever he ventures outside. When noted forensic pathologist Saul Seger (Ian McNeice) publishes a book about the murders, Veil finds himself back in the public eye, and vindictive police detective Emeric (Sean McGinley) decides to take a final stab at hanging the charges on Veil and making them stick. Veil becomes certain that someone is determined to put him away, a belief that gets stronger when parts of his video archive suddenly go missing. Freeze Frame was the first feature film from writer and director John Simpson. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: John Simpson
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Dec 10, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Jan 18, 2005
Studio: First Look Pictures

Critic Reviews

Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times
Simpson and director of photography Mark Garret manage to place the audience well inside the disoriented, dystopian world inhabited by Veil.
Ella Taylor, L.A. Weekly
Evans is wonderfully vulnerable and insidious as the mischievously named Sean Veil.
Neil Smith, BBC
Sadly, after a promising opening, John Simpson's feature debut dissolves into a disappointing hodgepodge of risible overacting and transparent plotting.
Genevieve Harrison, Empire Magazine
Simpson has a strong idea to work through, a good actor and a great set (a dank Belfast prison) and doesn't squander them -- even if the influence of Darren Aronofsky's Pi is perhaps a little too tangible.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Uma premissa original e inteligente que é muito bem explorada pelo estreante diretor John Simpson e pelo comediante Lee Evans, surpreendentemente eficaz em um papel dramático.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Freeze Frame is a great little film. It flew well under the radar and so should be sought out by thriller fans. I thought the idea was very clever and the use of CCTV/Video cams was well balanced and never over done, which I'm sure was a tricky thing to get right. Lee Evans was… More
Freeze Frame is a great little film. It flew well under the radar and so should be sought out by thriller fans. I thought the idea was very clever and the use of CCTV/Video cams was well balanced and never over done, which I'm sure was a tricky thing to get right. Lee Evans was also really good, I don't know why I doubted his acting skills, after all, he was really good in Funny Bones. My only criticism is that some of the acting is a little shaky, Rachael Stirling is the main offender - I'm still yet to see what is so great about her to be honest. I also felt a little bit sick whenever Ian McNeice's neck got a close up but I digress, Freeze Frame is a great film, seek it out!
alan j

This dark, moody and atmospheric drama is drenched in black and gray shades, almost devoid of color and life. It has an interesting gimmick that is stretched a bit too thin..either the lead character is guilty and is mentally ill, or is innocent and the world is out to get him. The… More
This dark, moody and atmospheric drama is drenched in black and gray shades, almost devoid of color and life. It has an interesting gimmick that is stretched a bit too thin..either the lead character is guilty and is mentally ill, or is innocent and the world is out to get him. The acting by Evans is on spot, however the surrounding cast tries too hard at times, and their performance suffers. The plot is a one trick pony that sustains life by continually twisting and turning, so the viewer is kept wondering till the very end, when more twisting is conducted than a chubby checker song. Orwellian in tone, this film is a fairly original piece of work thats worthy of your attention.