Review of One Hour Photo (2002) by Danny M — 06 Apr 2010

What Romanek has managed to achieve here is build a character with substance, we are encapsulated by Sy's desperation, innocence and insanity. The atmosphere the film creates is one of unceasing unease, and at times considerably creepy.

The film really does successfully build that image of the lonely, forgotten outcast that society is blind to, ignorant to... for me it made me ponder the faces you see day to day, never really engage with in depth, never pondered their inner thoughts, feelings or devotions.

If you havn't seen this film, Sy is the 'photo guy' at the local shopping mall, he takes meticulous, obsessive pride over his work and it's clear from the outset that he has very little joys in life, other than the enjoyment he gains from work. This slow burning thriller develops into an eerie plot line as it unravels that Sy has been stealing prints and obsessing over and fantasizing about a family whom visit the store regularly to develop photo's. When Sy realizes that the family he thought was perfect bliss, is in fact tainted by deceit and betrayal, Sy's idolisation of the family turns into confusion and insane bewilderment as he struggles to accept and understand how people who have perceived perfection(something he clearly yearns for, a family)can live with such underlying blemishes and denial.

Sy takes matters into his own hands and becomes more irrational as his fragile illogical world collapses at the seams and his distressing actions and behavior reflects this.

Overall, this movie thrives on it's screenplay and dialogue, as well as Robin Williams turning in a sublime and unique performance that is possibly his best ever.