In Decent Exposure
One Hour Photo
Review by Ross Anthony

Again, here's another movie where Robin Williams departs from his fun friendly demeanor in exchange for a darker unnerving role.

As a clerk at a local photo shop, he becomes fixated (through their snapshots) on a nearby family that appears to have the perfect life. A lonely Williams finds family life vicariously through this seeming post-card clan and their pictures.

Subtly dark (grayish actually) and unnerving, if you don't mind being disturbed in a "molestation threat" kind of way, you might enjoy this picture.

Good performances by all, but nothing over the top. And fairly well executed, but this was just not going to be a story that I was going to enjoy. You might be different.

My only tidbit of constructive comment: Although well written, the overdubbed commentary by Williams somehow slowed the already gentle pace.

Here's an interesting bite from the production notes: The family's name "Yorken" is a play on the words "Your Kin." Also, writer/director mark Romanek may be better known for his many music videos for Madonna, nine Inch Hails, Fiona Apple, Beck, Lenny Kravitz, Macy Gray, etc.



  • One Hour Photo. Copyright © 2002. Rated R.
  • Starring Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, Gary Cole, Eriq La Salle.
  • Directed by Mark Romanek.
  • Written by Mark Romanek.
  • Produced by Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler, Stan Wlodkowski at Fox Search.



Grade..........................B-



Copyright © 2001. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: RossAnthony.com


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:01:33 PDT