Review of One Hour Photo (2002) by Carl M — 17 Jun 2013

Sy "The Photo Guy" takes a particular interest in a family of frequent customers, the Yorkins, who have been visiting his photo lab for years. As his obsession deepens, delusion and desire begin to draw him down a dark and dangerous path... Mark Romanek presents the intense and tightly written suspense thriller ONE HOUR PHOTO, starring Robin Williams in a frightful performance as Seymour Parrish. The cold, clinical, and emotionless corporate world in which Sy has become trapped is directly contrasted against the warm and colorful pictures which he produces at the local SavMart. Sy is constantly surrounded by images of beautiful, happy people, from whom he feels entirely removed. One cannot help but feel a sense of sadness and empathy for the lonely sales clerk, despite his increasing detachment from reality. Nina and Will Yorkin, played by Connie Nielsen and Michael Vartan, kindly represent the modern family. From the outside, everything appears to be perfect, but the images of their smiling faces hide the hurt and distrust of a broken marriage. When Sy's fantasy world is shattered by this discovery, he is unable to deal with the emotional upset. Each of the actors deliver a degree of pathos to their performances, as Romanek works to develop his growing tension and suspense. The result is a frighteningly realistic and utterly original thriller which comes complete with a surprising twist that few will expect, but many will enjoy.

-Carl Manes.

I Like Horror Movies.