Sy Parrish has lovingly developed photographs for the Yorkin family since their son was a baby. But as the Yorkins' lives become fuller, Sy's only seems lonelier, until he eventually convinces himself he's part of their family. When Sy's picture-perfect fantasy collides with an ugly dose of reality, a bizarre and thrilling confrontation ensues.
Robin Williams is the main event here, delivering an unsettling, controlled performance that most critics found more compelling than the film surrounding him. The thriller's atmosphere is effectively creepy, but reviewers were split on whether the script lives up to its moody promise — and general audiences were considerably cooler on it than press critics.
“Robin Williams plays Sy, another of his open-faced, smiling madmen, like the killer in Insomnia. He does this so well you don't have the slightest difficulty accepting him in the role.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“not nearly as intelligent, thoughtful or penetrating as it promises to be. Yet the consistent delicacy and emotional clarity of Williams' acting in One Hour Photo makes the picture impossible to dismiss.”
Mick LaSalle·San Francisco Chronicle
Drama, Thriller
Sy Parrish has lovingly developed photographs for the Yorkin family since their son was a baby. But as the Yorkins' lives become fuller, Sy's only seems lonelier, until he eventually convinces himself he's part of their family. When Sy's picture-perfect fantasy collides with an ugly dose of reality, a bizarre and thrilling confrontation ensues.
Robin Williams is the main event here, delivering an unsettling, controlled performance that most critics found more compelling than the film surrounding him. The thriller's atmosphere is effectively creepy, but reviewers were split on whether the script lives up to its moody promise — and general audiences were considerably cooler on it than press critics.
“Robin Williams plays Sy, another of his open-faced, smiling madmen, like the killer in Insomnia. He does this so well you don't have the slightest difficulty accepting him in the role.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“not nearly as intelligent, thoughtful or penetrating as it promises to be. Yet the consistent delicacy and emotional clarity of Williams' acting in One Hour Photo makes the picture impossible to dismiss.”
Mick LaSalle·San Francisco Chronicle
Drama, Thriller