Luke
stu-kicks
CibbuanoOne Hour Photo
December 6th 2006 13:12
Robin Williams continues to explore his dramatic range, this time taking on the role of a sad, ill-adjusted photo-lab technician, Sy Parish. Making use of crisp, slightly artsy (in a good way) direction and an excellent score, the film follows Sy's obsession with the Yorkin family, tracing his journey to it’s inevitable breaking point.
It's not as dark as it sounds... the film uses stark white imagery to offset it's own uneasy subject matter, and most of the time we are actually sympathetic to Williams' character and, brilliantly though, this is what makes it all the more creepy. We are unsure of what this character is capable of - we know what he is headed for, and his scenes with the 8-year old son of the Yorkin family, Will, are always edgy and become the source of most of our discomfort.
Williams is much better here than in his less-nuanced turn in 'Insomnia' (the other half of his much-celebrated turning to the dark side of acting in 2002), and the film builds it's picture in episodic snap-shots of slow-burning developments, building up and tightening to it's eventual (and forseen) breaking point. At the end of the day, the film is about Sy Parish, and it wisely concentrates on this completely so the audience never feels cheated of motivational details.
This an excellently constructed and edgy drama about obsession and the powers that drive it. The use of photography is a beautiful example of motif and theme-exploration becoming one. As a film, it rewards patient and intent viewing, and as a story, it evokes sympathy, pity and fear. Much better than I could've ever expected.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I found One Hour Photo to be absorbing viewing and it is the only Robin Williams movie I own on DVD.
Taking it's cues from Mike Powell's superb Peeping Tom, It looks like a Kubrick film. A slow burning charcacter study of dislocation and loneliness that gets under your skin.
A fantastically controlled exploration that surprises with its depth and subtelty.
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by Whatever
Cinema of Australia
Music Times Australia
It definitely made me think twice about getting my photos developed.
It also showed how flexible Robin acting abilities are.. he isn't just all about the funny!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The World According to Garp was quite good too, but not quite worthy of being in my collection and the Insomnia remake was Ok but I own and love the original..
I just find that Robin Williams films have never come near capturing the true talent of the man. The only comedy turn that was remotely amusing was Good Morning Vietnam but it got old pretty quick.
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
oooo - what about Dead Poets Society?
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I am more of a Wonderboys kinda guy when it comes to these types of movies, need a sardonic wit and controlled screenplay that doesnt swim in sugary goodness.
Hook was just plain terrible. Dodgy script, unbalanced performances and an inconsistent tone. I am a huge fan of Peter Pan though.