One Hour Photo (2002)

Director:

Mark Romanek

Writer (WGA):

Mark Romanek (written by)

Release Date:

13 September 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

The things that we fear the most have already happened to us...

Plot:

An employee of a one-hour photo lab becomes obsessed with a young suburban family.

Plot Keywords:

Department Store | Photography | Tears | Obsession | Revenge

Awards:

5 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Robin Williams	...	Seymour Parrish
Connie Nielsen	...	Nina Yorkin
Michael Vartan	...	Will Yorkin
Dylan Smith	...	Jakob Yorkin
Erin Daniels	...	Maya Burson
Paul H. Kim	...	Yoshi Araki (as Paul Hansen Kim)
Lee Garlington	...	Waitress
Gary Cole	...	Bill Owens
Marion Calvert	...	Mrs. Von Unwerth
David Moreland	...	Mr. Siskind
Shaun P. O'Hagan	...	Young Father
Jim Rash	...	Amateur Porn Guy
Nick Searcy	...	Repairman
Dave Engfer	...	Sav-Mart Clerk
Jimmy Shubert	...	Soccer Coach

MPAA:

Rated R for sexual content and language.

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Netherlands:12 | USA:R (certificate #38597) | Finland:K-11 | Iceland:16 | Portugal:M/12 | Ireland:18 | South Korea:15 | Germany:12 (f) | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:14 | Canada:14A | France:U | New Zealand:M | Norway:15 | Peru:14 | Singapore:M18 (re-rating) | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:12 (canton of the Grisons) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | Philippines:R-18

Filming Locations:

Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Trivia:

Robin Williams was originally cast as the SavMart manager, Bill (later played by Gary Cole), but after reading the screenplay for a second time, Williams requested the role of Sy.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Bill confronts Sy in the breakroom over his argument with Larry, Sy's tie changes between camera angles.

Quotes:

Sy Parrish: New parents go photo crazy.

Movie Connections:

Features The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Soundtrack:

Dear Jacqui

I sincerely enjoyed this film

One Hour Photo is a film of supreme caliber. The film is powered by the haunting, chilling, silencing, and above all-genius performance by Robin Williams. But the rather extraordinary thing is that it is not Robin Williams on the screen, it's Sy Parish (the character's name). Robin Williams fades away from our senses and slips into the ever so sweet and innocent yet psychotic role of a supermarket's photo developer. The films script is only accented by Williams, at times, restrained performance. Williams ignites on the screen and burns till the last frame, and you are unable to take your eyes off him. As I mentioned the film is subliminily written as well as directed. Though being Romanek's first, I certainly don't think this is a bad start. Romanek's direction adds to the on-going tension throughout the film. More affecting is Williams' delightful calmness. Trying to hold himself in becomes more troublesome for both Williams and his character as the story develops. Yet through the calm eyes of an innocent blaze the fires of hatred and intensity, which could very well sum up Williams' performance. The film does have some disturbing images as well. Yet they are not really strong enough for you to get up from your seat and leave yet rather the opposite. Williams' contribution as well as guidance towards the actions and scenes of peril compell as well as amaze you towards both the performance and film itself. Williams' shocking contribution to the screen is enough to make you cry, scream, and yell in your seat. Because the origins of the character are bittersweet just like own known Williams, leads to a crazed and psychotic breakdown. It's as if watching our own funny and beloved Robin fail us. Though the truth could not be any further, Williams but succeeds in the art of acting, creating an achievement in the field. Creating a landmark. Writing his/its own chapter. I guarantee that this film will be required study material in acting classes for now on. In conclusion: definitely one of the best of 2002.