One Hour Photo

September 20, 2002

Starring: Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, Gary Cole, Eriq La Salle

Director: Mark Romanek

Official Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/onehourphoto/

One Hour Photo is one of those movies where the actor in the lead role makes or breaks the movie. For a movie this ambitious, they needed to find a guy who could play a real psychopath with no problem whatsoever and be really really good at it. They could have contacted well known guys like Kevin Bacon or Jack Nicholson, known to play great bad guys not so right in the head. Instead, Mark Romanek settled for Mr. Funny Pants, Robin Williams.

And so how did the movie turn out?? A masterpiece.

This movie explores the world of a lonely troubled photo guy at a local store who becomes obsessed over long time customers who seems to be his only friends, the Yorkin family. As his troubled mind takes over, he portrays himself as part of the family and makes doubles of the family photos to hang on his wall. A very character driven thriller much like Silence of the Lambs, it is a look through the eyes of a man looking for a place to fit.

Above all the creative and meaningful ideas the movie portrays, this movie is just plain creepy. Robin Williams has got to be one of the most underrated actors of our time. The best moments for Williams however is when he does nothing; staring into space, leaving you wondering what sadistic thought he has in his mind. His wardrobe is sort of stereotypical for lonely psychos, which is somewhat of a flaw, but otherwise the movie makers also had a lot to do with its success. The camera work when Williams is walking through the aisles is simple yet so effective. The musical score is also creepy.

The acting is all around solid, but a lot of the story is told through people`s photos, their characters being exposed as a result. The story is a twisted one, and probably shouldn`t be seen by those who liked Crossroads and The Power Puff Girls Movie. The storyline isn`t exactly straightforward either, so for some a second look might be needed. The ending isn`t very Hollywoodized either (Not very climatic and leaves you wondering), which is a good thing in this case even though I would have liked to see a little more action.

Overall, this is probably one the years best for me. I`m stunned it didn`t make it to theatres everywhere right away, and this is definitely one that will be added to my DVD collection. Also, I think I smell some Oscars coming this way for this one.

In short:
Comedy: a few comical extras, Robin Williams masking his comedy quite well
Violence:One gory scene, a few chases
Nudity: Some, but not in the erotic fashion
High Points: Robin Williams performance, camera work, great characters
Low Points: not a story everyone can enjoy, needs to be seen twice to understand entire plot

Rating: A