One Hour Photo film review

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ONE HOUR PHOTO

In recent years Robin Williams has become a byword for the kind of schmaltzy, saccharine cinema that has made audiences worldwide feel somewhat queasy. Patch Adams, What Dreams May Come, Jakob the Liar and Bicentennial Man were all largely insufferable works which suggested that one of America's brightest talents was sinking into middle-aged lethargy. But his recent sinister performance in Insomnia showed that he can, given the right script, be a match for anyone on the big screen. Further proof now comes with his latest starring role in one of the year's more memorable films.

Williams creates one of the most unforgettable characters in his long career in the guise of Sy Parrish, the guy who develops people's photos in the local hypermart. On the outside Sy is affable enough, taking a great interest in both his customers and making sure their snaps are perfectly developed. But behind the friendly façade Sy is a loner, an outcast from society who lives in an apartment drained of colour and without any family or friends.

Sy takes a special interest in one of his regular customers, the sparkling Nina Yorkin (Connie Nielsen). Nina's life is everything that Sy's isn't: married to the perfect man, living in the perfect house, the complete antithesis of Sy's lonely existence. And having developed the family photos for ten years, Sy knows all about the Yorkins. Soon his interest in them becomes little short of obsessive.

Writer and director Mark Romanek comes up trumps in both fields with his second feature (it's been seventeen years since he made his debut with the little seen Static). This is an enjoyably disturbing script which lasts the whole course, and instead of bowing to conventional Hollywood doctrines to make a pat ending the story remains strong until the final scene.

Having honed his skill over the last ten years in the world of pop videos, Romanek announces himself as a major directing force. The cinematography and design work go hand in hand to give the film an astonishingly assured look.

But the undoubted star of the film is Williams, who manages to create a character that is both sinister and sympathetic, and one that lingers long in the mind once the movie finishes. He may well find his work rewarded at awards time.