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One Hour Photo

One Hour Photo (2002)

Aug 21, 2002 1h 36m Drama Thriller

Sy "the photo guy" Parrish has lovingly developed photos 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 believes he's part of their family. When "Uncle" Sy's picture-perfect fantasy collides with an ugly dose of reality, what happens next "has the spine-tingling elements of the best psychological thrillers!"

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Directed by Mark Romanek

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Mark Romanek
Writer
  • Mark Romanek
Producer
  • Pamela Koffler
  • Christine Vachon
  • Stan Wlodkowski

Reviews

r96sk
7/10

The ending underwhelms slightly, though <em>'One Hour Photo'</em> is still worth a watch.

As great as Robin Williams' comedy is, I like the idea of seeing the guy act more serious - and he certainly did so in this 2002 release! The film starts are very strongly, I really enjoyed the vibe that was building. Williams plays a creepy character very well, while the rest of the cast - namely Connie Nielsen - support ably.

The movie does a drag a tiny bit the longer it goes on, despite only having a run time of around 90 minutes, and the conclusion didn't have as much of an impact as it should've. Still, I definitely got enough out of this one thanks to some good atmosphere building and a competent Williams performance.

Aug 2, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, One Hour Photo examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Mark Romanek brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of One Hour Photo took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $12.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 1914 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2002, when this film is released:
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While One Hour Photo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, One Hour Photo subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like American Beauty and Enough explore similar territory, One Hour Photo stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 21, 2002
  • Runtime: 1h 36m
  • Budget: $12,000,000
  • Revenue: $52,223,306

Where to Watch

Hulu