ONE HOUR PHOTO

Cole's Rating: ★★★

Jesse's Rating: ★★★ ½

Director: Mark Romanek
Year: 2002
Cast: Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen
Genre: Drama/Thriller
MPAA Rating: R

        As far as eerie plots go, One Hour Photo is a winner. It tells the story of “Sy, The Photo Guy”, a photo processor at the local supermarket, who becomes obsessed with an ordinary family that drops off photos to be developed very frequently. This film will remind you of—even if it doesn’t intend to—social networking and the obsessions that may come with that. A prime example of a futuristic One Hour Photo is Catfish, a documentary on two brothers who build an online relationship with a woman they’ve never met. In those types of circumstances, people can build up imaginative relationships with people who, in real life, they hardly know.  

        In Insomnia, Robin Williams played a role that evokes comparison; both by the character, and the quality of performance. He’s a good creep, because while he does seem like a friendly guy, there’s clearly more than what meets the eye. His apprehensiveness makes you question otherwise, and that is where people make their mistake. One Hour Photo contains so many great scenes that display this (it’s a prime display of dramatic irony). So many, in fact, that it may be hard to enjoy this movie as much as you should; it’s hard to stop gritting your teeth when you watch it. It’s heavy-handed (very heavy-handed) storytelling may be enough to turn people away, but ultimately, as you’ll find, the movie tries too hard to put strain on the characters, which results in eye rolling, and an occasional “gimme a break”.

        Again, though, the utter reality of the whole thing is enough to recommend One Hour Photo. It’s a movie that wouldn’t work as well nowadays; a conversation in the movie can explain it: “‘I got a new camera,’ ‘It’s a nice one.’ ‘Will’s trying to convince me to switch to digital,’ ‘Don’t do that! It’ll put me out of a job!’”. And yes, it would’ve. “Sy The Camera Guy” would have to find a different obsession had this movie taken place in 2013. It’s an appreciated film that we can all look back at in 20 years, and say: “remember when we had to take our photos to be developed all the time?”. I don’t know if I’d say that it’s a classic, but it sure will go down as a good movie that successfully captured a time in our history—and creeped us out!

-Written by Cole Pollyea

Jesse's Thoughts: One Hour Photo is a creepy, disturbing, and rather lightweight thriller. It's got a sterile look to it, and it's highlighted by Robin Williams in a towering performance as a psychotic photo technician. This is very similar to the nasty turn he took in Insomnia (they both came out in 2002). What can I say, Williams is a terrific actor. He can do everything from comedy (Mrs. Doubtfire), to drama (Good Will Hunting), to cartoon fare (Popeye). One Hour Photo succeeds because of him. The ending is a little confusing, but everything up until that point is pitch perfect. How do I put into words the essence of this film? Ah, let's just call it Taxi Driver in your local shopping center.