Rating: Summary: Williams does a bang-up job Review: This movie has a lot going for it, most notably Robin Williams' flawless portrayal of a lost, alienated middle-aged man named Sy who works as a photo developer in a sterile "Sav Mart" store. As you probably already know, the movie chronicles Sy's increasing obsession with one family he has come to know through their photos. Events develop (pun intended) at just the right pace, so that the viewer is effectively drawn into Sy's obsession-filled world. Unfortunately, the final act is implausible (to say the least) and the ending is ambiguous. Is Sy's story true .. or just a ruse? One Hour Photo is definitely worth watching, but it's not perfect.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining but lacking Review: I was disappointed in this film as a whole. There were elements of it that impressed me, such as Robin Williams' performance as a psychopath. The cinematography and the lighting were good as well. The events lacked. This film didn't have much purpose. It was only an hour and a half, and it didn't live up to its potential. This could have been a great film if it had given the viewer more to think or talk about. It was just weak. This is not something that most kids would enjoy. They would be bored while waiting for Robin Williams to crack a joke, and its R rating reflects sexual content, including some nudity, and profanity. One Hour Photo was okay. It just was not a thriller that stands out among thrillers. It was weak. For a good psychopath movie, watch The Silence of the Lambs.
Rating: Summary: INTRIGUING AND INTELLIGENT THRILLER... Review: This is a superlative thriller and one of the best in the genre, with a bravura performance by Robin Williams as a somewhat unhinged photo technician. Deftly directed by Mark Romanek, who has an eye for detail and an understanding that less is sometimes more, it is simply one of the best films released in 2002. The plot line seems simple. Sy Parrish (Robin Williams) is an exacting photo technician in a large, squeaky clean and bright, well stocked, discount mall type store. A lonely, middle-aged man, he seems to fade into the background. He is the type of person of whom others are apt to take little notice. Polite and pleasant, he is seemingly inoffensive, yet, always a beat off. He also has one little foible. He has become obsessed with the Yorkin family. The Yorkins are customers of his for whom he develops photographs. He has been developing their photos for years and has seen most of their cherished moments, participating in them vicariously. It is as if Nina, Will, and their young son, Jake, have become his family, only the Yorkins haven't a clue about Sy's secret obsession. When Sy becomes aware that the sanctity of his secret, picture perfect family is endangered, he becomes the avenging angel, setting into motion a series of events that reveal his own deepest, darkest secret. Robin Williams is absolutely sensational as Sy, the photo guy. He transforms himself, as if he were a chameleon. His performance is brilliant and well nuanced. As strange as Sy may seem at times, the viewer cannot help but like and pity him, even when he is at his weirdest. Sy's palpable longing to be a part of the Yorkin family is heartbreaking. Though most of his interaction is with Connie and Jake, as they are the ones who bring in the family photos to be developed, when Will comes to the store one day, Sy immediately recognizes him from the photos. Sy introduces himself to the surprised Will, asking after his family and complimenting Will on his home, a place in which Sy has never been a guest. It is all slightly creepy, adding to the mounting tension in the film. Robin Williams plays the role of Sy to great effect, making the most of each and every moment that he is on screen. Connie Nielsen is luminous as Nina Yorkin, a woman who is always pleasant to Sy and brightens his day every time she and Jake walk in the store to have photos developed. She is a woman whose beaming countenance belies the knowledge that there is something wrong with her marriage. There is a canker taking hold of her suburban home, eating away at the core of her family, only she cannot get Will to discuss it rationally with her. She does not know what is wrong, only that there is definitely something amiss, although all will, ultimately, be made clear to her. Michael Vartan is excellent as Will Yorkin, the good looking, though slightly unlikable, husband. Dylan Smith gives a sweet performance as Jake Yorkin. Erin Daniels is perfectly cast as Maya, a woman for whom Sy also develops photos. Eriq La Salle is very good as the sensitive Detective Van Der Zee. Gary Cole is terrific as the high energy store manager who gets on Sy's case about a number of issues that are coming to light in connection with the seemingly placid Sy. This is a solid cast that contributes to the overall success of this interesting and quirky film. The sets are also used most effectively. The bright, almost bleached, starkness of the huge store set is a perfect setting for Sy, as he almost melds into the background, at times, as if he were disappearing. Only his bright blue store vest saves him from total obscurity. This is fraught with meaning, as it is his job that helps to keep Sy grounded. The Yorkin home is filled with earth tones, giving a homey, cozy glow, enshrouding the family in a haze of warmth. Sy's own apartment is a sterile, ugly environment. There is nothing cozy about it. The only real sign that someone may actually live there are the photographs of the Yorkins that are displayed for all the world to see. Moreover, just when one thinks one has it all figured out, there are more surprises to come. This is simply a brilliant film on many fronts. The direction, Robin Williams' performance, the sets, the restrained, low key, tension building approach, and the twist in the ending, all contribute to making this a film to add to one's collection. Bravo!
Rating: Summary: Through a picture... Review: A lonely pedant, Seymour Parrish (Robin Williams), works in a suburban Sav-Mart in the photo department and is very content with his job. As a result, he has never taken a vacation during his 20 years with the company. In addition, he knows the customers very well and he does anything he can do in order to satisfy their needs from the photo department. He is especially devoted to the Yorkin family, whom Seymore has been following through pictures he has developed over the years through the upbringing of their son Jakob. Seymore senses the Yorkin family's happiness through the pictures that he develops and begins to dream that he belongs to the same family and happiness. However, when Seymore is laid off he finds himself cornered that his only happiness is about to be taken away. Besides, a horrible truth is about to be exposed and Seymore is about to act on what he has discovered. One Hour Photo is a suspenseful thriller where the development of the characters reveals secrets of great magnitude that slowly stir the audience into panic and fear. As a conclusion, One Hour Photo provides a very different cinematic experience that should help us reflect on our own privacy.
Rating: Summary: One of the greatest films so far this decade Review: One Hour Photo does what most movies nowadays are not willing to do...it takes its time. The makers of this movie clearly did not care about the modern American film audience, who can be boldly described as impatient, unattentive, and generally, stupid. This film is for those of us who actually know what good movie making is. Throughout the course of this movie, you will get to understand the characters, and truly feel for them. Make no mistake about it. This movie is chilling to the bone, but it is also one the saddest movies I've ever seen. Do not listen to other people who say that this film is boring or bad. Please make your own judgements.
Rating: Summary: Creepy and Moving Review: I was very surpised by this film. Actually, I had heard various things - pro and con- and was somewhat led astray by the trailers. This is a thriller and a very creepy one at that, but it never devolves into a violent gore-fest or a typical action thriller - that is a good thing. Instead Robin Williams (in an amazing performance) leads us through the creepy and moving downfall of a lonely and disturbed man. It is very effectively directed and scored. This is the kind of film that will send the shivers down your spine while also filling you up with a good dose of empathy. Recommended.
Rating: Summary: Super Glossy Review: This movie wasn't all that. The most interesting and disturbing scene was where Robin Williams makes the cheating couple pose for some polaroids at gunpoint. Other than that, a somewhat pointless film.
Rating: Summary: Vastly overrated Review: A movie which does not successfully straddle the line between fantasy and realism, One Hour Photo offers plenty of mistakes (be the first on your block to list them all!) and plot holes big enough to drive a truck through. Don't waste your time. You want a good thriller? See Insomnia.
Rating: Summary: Williams goes nuts! Review: That's right, Robin Williams turns from lovable loon into a complete nut case, this is a suspense-thriller about a Photo-Shop worker named "Cy" ( Williams) who just loves to keep people's extra photos in his apartment, he gets fired one day and wants to get even. A very entertaining and brilliant low-budget flick that offers great acting, good storyline, fine script and moments that will haunt you. One of 2002's best movies, see it now. Also recommended: Memento, Psycho, Maniac ( 1980), American Psycho, Frality, Vertigo.
Rating: Summary: Wow... intense, odd, interesting... Review: Robin Williams is quite a talent, and this movie was no exception. I heard him say somewhere that this is the only movie he won't let his own children watch of his... I can see why. This movie is quite creepy, and can make you wonder about all the small things we do in life that may provide too much information to the insane... I'll tell you one thing, I don't put my address on the film envelopes anymore... just my first name and work phone number! Wow, was this movie out there!
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