One Hour Photo is a winding, artsy, cinematic mosaic of a movie that invariably succeeds on certain elemental levels while it fails on others. On the positive, the writing is for the most part original, clever, and witty - especially the narratives and how they metaphorically relate life experiences and photography. The set design was very well planned, appropriate, and the color contrasts are extremely visual and appealing. The editing is quite good based on the pacing of the movie, as there really aren't any obvious slow parts and the story transitions smoothly.
However, on the whole the acting is inconsistent with Robin Williams and Gary Cole noticeably outclassing the rest of the lead cast. Additionally, the plot line is limited as the movie really doesn't make the viewer draw their own conclusions about what is happening. It is contrived and lacking sub plot. Let me expand, the basic premise of the characters is rather weak. They don't seem to think for themselves. Instead, the focus is on stimulating the viewers' sense of compassion for main character. A tragic hero, oh how sad - yawn. On top of that - the score is annoying, redundant, and particularly over-used. The ending is disappointing as well, for the most part being anti-climatic.
In summary, the movie is a bit of an oddity - walking a fine line between artsy, independent film and a cliché Hollywood blockbuster. One Hour Photo should not be dismissed as rubbish or held up on a pedestal as a masterpiece. It falls somewhere in between, succeeding in some aspects while falling short in others.
6/10
However, on the whole the acting is inconsistent with Robin Williams and Gary Cole noticeably outclassing the rest of the lead cast. Additionally, the plot line is limited as the movie really doesn't make the viewer draw their own conclusions about what is happening. It is contrived and lacking sub plot. Let me expand, the basic premise of the characters is rather weak. They don't seem to think for themselves. Instead, the focus is on stimulating the viewers' sense of compassion for main character. A tragic hero, oh how sad - yawn. On top of that - the score is annoying, redundant, and particularly over-used. The ending is disappointing as well, for the most part being anti-climatic.
In summary, the movie is a bit of an oddity - walking a fine line between artsy, independent film and a cliché Hollywood blockbuster. One Hour Photo should not be dismissed as rubbish or held up on a pedestal as a masterpiece. It falls somewhere in between, succeeding in some aspects while falling short in others.
6/10
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