Camera Obscura (2003)

Synopsis: Set in contemporary Los Angeles, Camera Obscura is a psychological thriller drama about Jimmy (ADAM TRESE), a talented photographer with true artist's sensibilities who takes a job as a crime scene... Set in contemporary Los Angeles, Camera Obscura is a psychological thriller drama about Jimmy (ADAM TRESE), a talented photographer with true artist's sensibilities who takes a job as a crime scene photographer with the LAPD. Unable to comprehend and accept the dark and cruel reality of the crime scenes and haunted by the images of victims he witnesses, Jimmy confronts his fears by setting his own boundaries on reality and illusion.

He starts to beautify the crime scenes by changing the composition, lighting and lenses he uses, and shooting the victims in surreal and living poses. Soon, in his pictures, the victims don't look dead anymore and Jimmy ultimately convinces himself that through his camera he can make the dead come alive again.

His wife, Maria (ARIADNA GIL), a talented ballet dancer, becomes increasingly concerned about his peculiar behavior and despite her efforts to understand and balance their life, she turns their relationship into a spiral of ups and downs, misunderstandings and forgiveness, humor and terror; where love survives only if it's reinvented every day.

The two LAPD detectives, David Flowers (CULLY FREDRICKSEN) and Russo (VJ FOSTER), who work the crime scenes with Jimmy, are skimming a drug deal. Abrasive and sarcastic, they taunt Jimmy for his sensitivity on the job and lure him into one of their deals. Desperate Jimmy tries to escape by accepting the offer and hoping to make some quick money and quit his job.

Meanwhile, Maria not knowing what to do and also wanting to help with money, renews an old friendship with the transvestite Fish (KIRK WARD), a club owner, who gets her a job as an exotic dancer. But the drug scam goes wrong and her life is put in danger when she witnesses a murder at the club.

Confronted by his partners, Jimmy faces the reality of his wife becoming a victim of the same kind of violent murders he was forced to photograph. -- © Fish Eye Films [More]

Starring: Adam Trese, Ariadna Gil, Kirk Ward, Cully Fredricksen

Starring: Adam Trese, Ariadna Gil, Kirk Ward, Cully Fredricksen, VJ Foster

Director: Hamlet Sarkissian

Director: Hamlet Sarkissian
Screenwriter: Hamlet Sarkissian
Producer: Tassos Kazinos
Composer: Tigran Mansuryan
Studio: Fish Eye Films

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