Paparazzi watch Paris, Big Brother watches us
Think Britney Spears has it rough? The unfortunate train wreck is constantly observed, her every move and mishap captured by paparazzi, cellphone and video cameras, including that recent damning TMZ-filmed red light debacle.
Maybe you also feel sorry for poor Lindsay Lohan and even Paris Hilton, who was recently caught by a surveillance camera threatening to sue a video store that used a cardboard cutout of her from "The Simple Life" to promote that infamous "One Night in Paris" sex tape.
But if you think celebrities are the only ones under 24-hour scrutiny in public places, think again.
Then make plans to see writer-director Adam Rifkin's unsettlingly new film, "Look," a well-scripted thriller with the creepy feel of reality.
Rifkin came up with the idea after being caught on a traffic camera running a red light. He did some research and found out that there are 30 million surveillance cameras in ATMs, department stores, gas stations, parking lots, elevators and police cars.
"Big Brother cameras are everywhere, including, in some states, restrooms and dressing rooms, and the average citizen is captured on a covert camera up to 200 times a day," Rifkin said last week at a luncheon attended by Tim Daly, Richard Schiff, Lawrence O’Donnell, Barry Schuler and Brad Wyman during the AFI Fest.
What happens to those millions of hours of candid video tape? Rifkin revealed that store employees can -- and do -- make reels from store security cameras and post them on YouTube. Ever pick your nose -- or worse -- while shopping? Want everyone in the world to see it? Rifkin hopes his film will spark discussions about personal privacy versus societal protection.
For pure entertainment value, "Look," which won the Grand Jury Award at CineVegas, is unnervingly addictive. Using unknown actors, except for Rhys Coiro, who plays the crazed director on "Entourage," and interweaving story lines, Rifkin has made a brilliant Hitchcockian suspense film with the potential cult status and box-office bonanza of "The Blair Witch Project." Click HERE to see aintitcool.com's review.
Look around next time you're in a store, at an ATM or in a casino. Don't forget to smile.You're on candid camera. Just like Lindsay, Paris and Britney.
Photo Credits: Lindsay is photographed shopping at a store. Wouldn't you just love to see the store surveillance footage?
WireImage
It is scary to think a camera is always on one no matter where. And who governs what happens to used tape. Is it recycled?
Posted by: gertie | November 15, 2007 at 05:49 PM