One Hour Photo

Plot synopsis:
Seymour "Sy" Parrish (Robin Williams), a mini-lab photo technician at SavMart's one-hour photo developing clinic in suburban Los Angeles, leads a depressing, solitary life outside of the "heaven-like", hyperreality atmosphere of the department store. Every day he labors to ensure his customers get the best quality photos possible; his life is truly his work, as he has no one and nothing to go home to at the end of each day. As each workday comes to an end, Sy falls into the inescapable routine of spending his evenings sitting alone in his barren living room, watching television. The only thing in Sy's immaculate apartment he has for companionship is a hamster, caged in his bedroom. He is an extremely organized, tidy, and meticulous type of person who wears all beige attire. Feeling out of place in a world where nobody seems to understand the precious gift of friends and family, Sy tends to immerse himself in his own fantasies to escape the pain of his existence.His favorite customers are the Yorkin family, made up of husband Will (Michael Vartan), wife Nina (Connie Nielsen), and their son, Jake (Dylan Smith). He has done their photos for years and, over time, has developed an obsession with the family; he idolizes their happiness and affluence, memorizes every personal detail about them that he can learn, and finally begins to stalk them. Sy secretly makes his own copies of the Yorkins' photos from the film negatives and then puts them on a wall in his apartment, a massive collage which has accumulated to over 600 in count. Most of all, he fantasizes about being a member of their family and sharing in the love he assumes they must feel. However, he is painfully shy and his awkward attempts to become closer to the family are gently rebuffed.Sy eventually manages to spark a connection to Nina when he pretends to have interest in a novel he noticed she had been reading on a particular day in the store. For the first time, Nina asks Sy personal questions about his life, realizing that he is indeed a lonely man, something only Jake had empathetically noticed earlier. This connection is short-lived, however, as Sy's boss, Mr. Owens, fires him the next day for stealing prints. While inspecting his photos for the last time, Sy discovers that Will is having an affair and his idyllic conception of the Yorkins as the 'perfect' family is shattered. He comes to hate and envy Will, who has everything Sy longs for, yet doesn't seem to care.After losing his job, Sy stalks and takes pictures of Owens' young daughter, leading to a police investigation against him. While detectives Van Der Zee and Outerbridge (Eriq La Salle and Clark Gregg) are discovering Sy's obsession, Sy confronts Will and his mistress, Maya (Erin Daniels), during a rendezvous in their hotel room. With a knife and a camera, Sy forces the lovers to pose naked while he takes pictures. Throughout the ordeal, Maya panics and Sy reacts aggressively, but does not harm either of them. After the confrontation, as Sy just sits on the bed in his hotel room, he discovers that the police have arrived in the hotel and tries to escape. The alarm sounds and Van Der Zee pursues him while Outerbridge discovers Will Yorkin and his mistress, unharmed but traumatized. After a chase, the police finally apprehend Sy in the parking garage as he attempts to make a break for his car. Upon being arrested. Sy claims, "I just took pictures".The final scene is set in a police interrogation room where Van Der Zee asks Sy why he terrorized the Yorkins, to which Sy indirectly reveals that his father had made him do "sick, disgusting things that no kid should ever have to do". The implication, confirmed by Romanek, is that Sy's father exploited him for child pornography. Romanek has also confirmed that Sy had used the camera as a means of both punishing Will and confronting his past, as his father used to tell him "it's all just pretend" while abusing him. Sy cannot understand why Will, as the perfect father, was determined to destroy his family, and thus permanently ended the fantasy he has held for nearly 10 years.As the detective comes to understand him and prepares to take his confession, Sy asks for the pictures he made at the hotel, which the detective has described as "evidence". They appear to be only shots of household objects and interior furnishings he took after the incident in the hotel. This implies that Sy never took any pictures of Will and Maya, but only pretended to. However, in the earlier Director's cut version, we see additional deleted scenes in which the police analyze the actual crime scene photos that Sy had taken of Will and Maya.The film closes with a picture of the Yorkin family with Sy. Romanek claims in the DVD commentary that the picture is intended to symbolize an open ending; it is left up to the viewer to decide whether the picture only exists in Sy's mind or if he ever sees the Yorkin family again.

Tags: dark, psychological, suspenseful, murder, boring, horror, flashback, insanity, revenge

Review:
Robin Williams gives what may well be the performance of his career in `One Hour Photo,' a creepy psychological thriller written and directed with cool precision by Mark Romanek.
Instead, Romanek has chosen to take a more subtle approach, fashioning a film that downplays the potential violence of its material while, at the same time, recognizing the humanity of its central figure.Romanek understands that the greatest threats to our safety and lives often come from the gray, nondescript people who surround us unnoticed, the `nobodies' whose benign faces and vacuous smiles reveal no trace of the insanity, evil and potential for doing us harm that may be lurking right there under the surface.
And nobody is `grayer' than Si Parrish, an innocuous, socially undeveloped milquetoast who spends his days working as a photo developer in one of those sterile five-and-dime drug stores (just like the one in `The Good Girl') - and his nights sitting all alone in his drab apartment brooding over a massive family-photo shrine he has erected to the Yorkins, a seemingly happy family of three whose pictures Si has been developing, copying and obsessing over for more than seven years now.
To match this theme, Romanek's visual style often feels like the director's own personal homage to The Photograph, as the camera scans caressingly across a sea of snapshots  and Si's voiceover narration complements that feeling.`One Hour Photo' is not a film for those who like their chills heavily laced with bloodshed, murder and mayhem.
While people take pictures of happy moments, their reality is something else.Coming to the performances, what would 'One Hour Photo' be without Robin Williams?
But, in the end, it's a one man show that belongs to Mr. Williams.There are a few very minor flaws such as a few scenes where reality is suspended but overall this is a cleverly chilling film that deserves to be watched but do not expect lots of murder, bloodshed, or silly twists like boiling a live rabbit..
Williams is especially good at playing creepy characters, as he has done several times in the last decade.Here, he plays "Sy, the photo guy," a lonely employee in the photo department of a suburban Target/Walt-Mart//K-Mart-whatever who lives vicariously through a nice family, whose family pictures he has developed and printed for years.
In terms of plot this set up will be no surprise to anyone  we've all seen Single White Female and Pacific Heights etc, we know what happens that leads to the old bunny boiling etc.However One Hour Photo is different enough to justify watching.
After viewing this film, the question now becomes who gets the Oscar, Williams for One Hour Photo, or Pacino for Insomnia ?.
although he played the very questionable (and dodgy) killer in insomnia, his role in one hour photo was very near perfect in this minor gem of a film.
a memorable scene in the film of william's characters eyes squirting blood is in stark contrast to the ordered white formica and polished chrome surfaces that intimate to the spectator a feeling of staring intently at snapshots of a desperate man's life.if this film was to have any criticism is in the roles of the supporting actors.
The story, in case you don't know, is that a one-hour photo employee named Sy (played by Robin Williams) is obsessed with a family that frequently visits.
Robin Williams gives us the performance of his career, and Mark Romanek comes off with one of the best debuts in recent memory.
williams character is a lonely and depressed man is made abundantly clear by a series of boring "staged" shots of him sitting alone in an empty room, whether its the cafeteria or his own home.the picure-book perfect family could have been interesting, but the director and/or screenwriter obviously couldnt decide at which point to show the "real" family situation behind the happy facade.
SY however went about it the wrong way but all in all SY in a weird sense was trying to prove to Jake's Mother that Mr. Yorkin (Jake's Father) was a jerk, and I think Mr. Yorkin got what he deserved at the Hotel, the scare of his life to wake his A** up and make him see how he was hurting his family which at the end of this film it was clear that Mr. Yorkin felt bad about having the affair in the first place.
The bottom line is this, even though this Movie was a thriller it was also sad and depressing-because I know people who are sad and lonely like SY and that is why my heart truly went out to SY because all he wanted was someone in his life to care about him.
I always knew that Robin Williams could do more than make us laugh.I knew that if he wanted to,he could scare us to death.Williams' turn as the loner willing to do bad things all in the name of right is done with dead on precision.There was always a versatility beneath the comedic improvisation we know him for.Williams executed this role with flying colors.So well,in fact,that I often forgot he was merely acting.While the supporting cast has their moments,this film is all Williams.His character is comparable to a certain deranged cab driver played by Robert DeNiro all those years ago.Though DeNiro's performance will never be topped,Williams work here ranks right up there.Well worth watching.
I read some of the reviews that described the movie as "deeply terrifying" and "creepy." I also noticed that Robin Williams was playing a "bad guy" in the film, and after seeing last summer's "Insomnia," I was ready to return to the dark side of Robin William's persona.
By the end of the film, I didn't really care what happened to the main characters (neither did half of the audience in the particular showing I saw, who got up and left before the movie was even over.) I felt no suspense, no terror, no edge-of-my-seat intensity.
Strong performances and the music is perfect for this film.As a former one hour photo worker, I can identify with some of the aspects of his job.
"One Hour Photo" as a film has its share of flaws, but none of them are related to Robin Williams' powerful and haunting performance.
Music is scored by Reinhold Heil and Johnny Klimek and cinematography by Jeff Cronenweth.Sy Parrish (Williams) is a loner photo technician at SavMart's one hour photo shop who becomes obsessed with a family whose photographs he develops....No one takes a photograph of something they want to forget.2002 was a stellar year for Robin Williams, it saw him give two dramatically potent performances that dampen down the bile spewed up by those who haven't been able to forgive him his comedy excesses.
When Sy realizes that the perfect family in the photos is anything but, he goes further awry.Williams does such a good job and director Mark Romanek superbly unveils how ordinary-looking, everyday people in our lives could be otherwise and an unsuspecting threat.
The main character, who`s a real "peeping tom", is played with such sincerity by Robin Williams who seems to have gotten the hang of playing the "bad guy" (last seen in Insomnia).In style and theme it`s easy to compare this flick with films like Magnolia and American Beauty, by which all of them portrays the crucial and life-changing moments which happens to the protagonist.
I wouldn`t complain if OHP won an Oscar for best film, but unfortunately the statuette will probably go to some extravagant story with no references to most peoples personal life (ala Gangs of New York)instead of this wonderful treasure.
Some how I seemed to have missed this picture and was amazed at the great acting of Robin Williams as a photo clerk who took his job very serious and envied a local family, especially the young attractive mom, Connie Nielsen,(Nina Yorkin),"Return to Sender",'04, who enjoyed all the comforts of home and some what neglected her husband in the bedroom.
Despite the attempt to make it a character-driven piece, no one is of any interest, as we don't learn much about them, including the lead "Seymour" or "Sy, the photo guy," played by Robin Williams.
"One Hour Photo" was poorly written, poorly directed, with enough Z grade to come from not only Mr. Williams in years, but the entire cast as well!
After seeing this film being promoted by Mr. Williams on every single talk show for over 7 months (& in most of Mr. Robins interviews he mad an ass out of himself anyways & he dosen't come off as an intelligent for that matter), a big fancy interview in EW magazine & being wowed at the 2002 Sundance Film Fest (Which I can't figure out why I guess the cold freezes people thinking?).
The film ended very cold as well, it felt like the director was too scared to to take a risk and make "One Hour Photo" more daring and bold, or even more of a thriller.
If "One Hour Photo" is even considered for Oscar gold then I know Hollywood is going to hell in a hand basket, & that most actors like Mr. Williams are in the film business for the money to pay there rent, & that they are not in the business of film to make high quality art!
There's no way to describe it--the only thing I can say is that it is the story I've been trying to write for the past two years...maybe not in storyline, but in general feel, photography, and dark, yet whimsically sarcastic and unknowingly-insane narration.The way that Sy narrates, in a way that he thinks he is normal and stable, is amazing--I love films that play on that (like A Clockwork Orange and Flowers for Algernon, although the latter is an innocent form of mental instability)But the way that Mark Romanek portrays the fine line between good and evil is what really makes the movie sing.
This is a psychological thriller par excelance, brought to life by Robin Williams in one of his best roles.
In fact, the two big stars here are Robin Williams as "Sy" and Writer/Producer Mark Romanek, with Cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth winning "Best Supporting" role.
The cast, the direction, script, music, cinematography and production design are all top notch, coming up in the cast are specially the impressive performances by Robin Williams, and girl hysteria motive: Michael Vartan; he is a real talent.
Not only is Robin Williams performance very good but this film is extremely well photographed.
A photo-processing man Seymour "Sy" Parrish (Robin Williams), becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect family--the Yorkins.
Also the young son of the Yorkins played by Dylan Smith is very good...he acts just like a 9 year old should.So it's somewhat worth seeing but no great shakes--except for Williams..
In short, this is about a one hour photo guy, who obsesses over those individuals who go to him to have their film developed, and it goes from there.
This film, well, it really makes you think, not only about one hour photo stations or clerks, but about photography, and more importantly, life, in a whole new way..
Robin Williams delivers his finest performance in this exceptional film about a man who will stop at nothing to involve himself in a family he has always admired, even though they barely know him.Everyone in the cast (including Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, and Gary Cole) does an outstanding job.The film was very well directed and written (both courtesy of Mark Romanek).
Maybe a movie masterfully directed, powerfully acted, with a believable and deep screenplay and with a superb use of score, cinematography and art direction.Is One Hour Photo a masterpiece?I'm almost sure.Mark Romanek, better known for directing videos for bands such as The Rentals, makes his feature film debut with an original screenplay of his own about loneliness and the alienation of our society.
In fact, I bought this family as a real family, I easily forgot that these people were actors (the screenplay develop this characters to the exact point of making us actually care for them without distracting that the focus of our attention is Sy and his devotion for them).So here we get to the whole point of the buzz surrounding this movie: is this the best Robin Williams performance ever?Yes.This is not Robin Williams acting.
Robin Williams and Mark Romanek are under control of this movie and not in a single frame they lose it (well, I have just a problem with a shot...
Robin Williams' acing is phenomenal, whilst (just like the perfect photo) the filming is also above par, capturing all the scenes in beautiful glory.I can't believe I waited so long to see this.
One Hour Photo is exactly that kind of film.Robin Williams plays Sy, a man who works at the one hour photo place at a Walmart type store.
Overall, it's a pretty wonderful film to watch.I really like how this movie plays out.
This underrated work of film stars the late Robin Williams as a photo developer for a local store who has taken an interest in the Yorkin family through the family pictures he works on.
This is truly one of the most underrated and overlooked movies to come out in recent years and it really shows Mr. Williams' acting abilities when it comes to being immersed into a chilling character.The story line, though goes off the beaten path a few times, showcases a good amount of suspense and atmosphere to keep it engaging.
The engaging story, creepy atmosphere, and a strong performance from Robin Williams makes this film worth recommending.
Seymour Parrish (Robin Williams) is a lonely obsessed employee working at an one hour photo developer inside a big box store.
because the script and Robin Williams performance are pillars of a good film but not enough.
The Mostly funny movies star Robin Williams gets his best performance as a drama, scary role, you won't recognize him..
The problem is, many don't take the opportunity when it comes.Robin Williams plays Seymour "Sy" Parrish, a photo-developer at a corporate giant known as SavMart.
From the guy who has done things like Jumanji and other nonsensical films, here comes something you'd never see from a man who played a sailor who loved spinach at one point in his life.But the true talent here is director Mark Romanek, who has worked on many music videos for Nine Inch Nails, R.E.M., and Weezer.
And scenes where he explains his customers and what pictures they take is extra information you wouldn't think a film like One Hour Photo would contain.
It's creepy to think about Sy's actions, but it's even creepier thinking that back when film was developed constantly, and places like Walgreens and Wal-Mart's "One Hour Photo" booths used to be filled with customers, how easy it was to obtain one person's pictures.
The audience is left to decide this.I do; however, believe Robin Williams has found his best place in films, that of being the scary guy.I really hope you will do more worthwhile roles like this one!.
Mark Romanek's debut film, One Hour Photo, is a gutsy and gripping psychological thriller.
The narrative follows a Photographic Lab Technician, Seymour (Sy) Parrish played by Robin Williams, who is a lonely, sad, creepy character living his life through other peoples photographs.
Another scene that visually reinforces the connection between photography and the theme of this film, is where Sy is looking down at a blank sheet of photographic paper, which in my opinion symbolises the emptiness of his life.In creating the creepy character of Sy Parish Robin Williams has once again truly cements his outstanding acting ability.One Hour Photo is a promising debut from Mark Romanek and I look forward to his future projects.7/10.
Everyone at first has a notion of a troubled guy who wants to harm the family but as it progresses you see a totally different side to 'Photo Guy' Sy.This movie is definitely worth a viewing, Robin Williams acting is incredible with the moral story within being an important lesson that we all usually, at some point in our lives take for granted.7/10.
The film at first seems to be a "Psycho" remake, but Robin Williams and the director Mark Romanek have crafted a truly beautiful parable of our isolated modern age.
Robin Williams gives a memorable performance here, but I think the real star of the movie is director Mark Romanek.
There's no denying that Robin Williams is an incredible actor, and he brought life to One Hour Photo.One Hour Photo had a decent story about an old man obsessed with a family.
Nothing that can win it an oscar for best picture of the year, but it's good nonetheless.Robin Williams shone through in this movie.
A film critic (I forgot who) called this movie Robin Williams' finest hour.
Williams does an outstanding job in this role by playing a character that you can certainly sympathize with to a point, but whose obsession takes him to edges of sanity and beyond.This is the first film I have seen by director Mark Romanek, however he creates the perfect atmosphere through the eerie lighting in Seymour's home, and the occasional peek into his demented thoughts.
I saw the Robin Williams thriller ONE-HOUR PHOTO when it first opened and was playing at only a few theatres.
When you watch this movie, you forget it is Robin Williams...
robin williams plays the role of said clerk very well, his performance is the only redeeming quality of 1 hour photo.