Review of One Hour Photo (2002) by Jay R — 17 Aug 2009

Robin Williams seems to have mastered the smiling, creepy villain. The movie really leaves you guessing on what is going to happen next, and the plot is actually realistic. One Hour Photo chills you with the idea that everything that goes on behind the counter is out of your control.

Using interesting lighting and wordless images, director Mark Romanek succeeds in chilling us to the bone. Its a character study that quickly turns into a creep revenge tale. Robin Williams gives one of his best performances as Sy the Photo Guy.

He attacks this role with an unusual amount of restraint and caution. This is a disturbed individual and just by Robin Williams blank face and subtle reactions, we see just that. This is not a movie for everyone, there are some underused supporting cast members and the ending is a tad bit overblown, but its all for the show.

Another thing I like about this movie it the insight into the photo lab person's job and aspect, I found it very fascinating. Sy loses himself into fantasy and when that fantasy is shattered, things go downhill from there.

There is also cool insight on why we are so fascinated with photos. As Sy says "People never take photos of something they want to forget". However he also states "The term snapshot, as originally a hunting term.

Very disturbing shots, great direction and a creepy Robin Williams make this a movie worth seeing and then some. Thumbs up!