The slow zoom out in his apartment to reveal the vast collection of double ordered prints of the family adoring every inch of his wall is mesmerizing and incredibly unsettling. Brilliant film
@@sk8mafia214Well, he sure as hell ain't the hero. Among other things, he breaks into a hotel room and holds the husband and his lover at gunpoint at the climax of the film, all because of the shattering of his own perceived views of what he thought the family members were like based solely on the tiny side of them he saw in their family photos. Of course, there are attempts (very effective ones) to make his character sympathetic, and he is clearly mentally disturbed to a degree... but he was also VERY aware of what he was doing the whole time and had no illusions as to the overall illegality of it. Also, keep in mind, "villain" and "antagonist" are not the same thing. One Hour Photo is a film like Joker, where the protagonist IS a clear cut criminal, regardless of their mental difficulties or the problems they've had in their lives. However, in both of those films... that uncommon narrative perspective led to two fantastic stories with deep, disturbing, but still somehow relatable and human character studies.
Robin Williams in 2002 did the impossible. Between: Death To Smootchy, Insomnia and this, he did 3 phenomenal bad guys/creepy villains performances that wasnt his usual
All in the same year? Damn, that Is some serious achievement in terms of roles. Honestly, if he was still alive, I would have loved him to see him in another Romanek or even on another Nolan film. He just left way too soon, and I still miss him in films.
Bottom line. One of my favourite films of all time. It is so well done. From the writing, to the pacing, to the cinematography, to the acting. Tragically underrated and completely needs to be discovered. If you want to find out why Robin Williams was such a great actor, just see this film.
I met the iconic Robin Williams back in the late 80's when I worked at a movie theater. He had brought his family to see a movie and I treated him with respect. Our paths would cross over the years, including when he was cracking up the audience during one of the showings of the San Francisco International Film Festival. So glad that you got the chance to watch "One Hour Photo" and appreciate his genius.
This film is so powerful that it often feels like a litmus test. Some people will see Sy as creepy and off putting. Others will view him in a more sympathetic light. Socially awkward due to an abusive past. I still say Robin deserved awards for this. The film speaks to certain people now more than ever in a time where there is an increasing sense of loneliness due to technology. The family structure evolving with it, too.
it was creepy, people that sympathize makes sense but we live in an immoral society and since morals arent followed then if people wana destroy themselves thats there choice, dont need to be a creep to impose a moral standard to people that have no morals, but thats how the world has always been
I liked this when it came out, but forgot all about it. I re-watched it for the first time a few years ago and was blown away by it. I'd go so far to say this is one of the best films of that decade. Criminally underrated and due to be rediscovered.
Mark Romanek is one of the most underrated directors on the planet! ‘One Hour Photo’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’ are absolute masterpieces! He’s also responsible for some of the most iconic music videos ever made!
This was a legendary performance, I loved this movie Robin Williams his acting was epic. I hate he was dealing with hard core mental illness. He brought us soooo much much joy even while he was hurting. Robin Williams just a legend. His acting is top tier, deeply missed never forgotten.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
One of my favorite thrillers and Robin Williams performances. It’s also a Time Capsule because since we’re in the digital era, people forget you had to develop photos
I watched One Hour Photo earlier this year on Hulu and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The same actor who played the manager in Office Space is the manager of the store in this movie and it was very dramatic but I couldn't help but imagine him doing the "Uhhh if you could get me those TPS reports, that'd be greattt."
I re-watched this on Hulu earlier this year for the first time in well over a decade, and it’s still a remarkable film that holds up. Absolutely love it.
So glad you highlighted this film. I bought it at a thrift store on a whim, because Robin Williams, several years ago, and watched it and it’s one of my most common recommendations now. People need to see this movie. I compare it to Joker, wherein you sympathize with the antagonist to the point where you feel for them. Well said, man. I’m happy you’re bringing attention to this 👌
One of my favorite thrillers of that decade. Robin Williams best performance of his late career. It's not even close. The final interrogation scene gets me every time.
That scene was sad for me, you can see that the detective can understand what Sey had been through and dealt with in his life based on how he was expressing hisself.
Mark Romanek said he was inspired by the Lonely Man movies of the '70s like Taxi Driver, The Conversation, etc. You can definitely see those movies' themes echoed here as Sy's social isolation turns to obsession and then violence. Brilliant stuff. Sadly Romanek's movie career never really took off after this; he's mostly made music videos and TV since, and only made one other feature film which didn't get much attention. (He did notably direct the Johnny Cash video for Hurt, which is easily one of the best music videos of all time.)
This is such a magnificent movie, I love the theme of Sy being a man who basically lives his entire life through this family, even to the point where he legitimately through his own eyes inserts himself into the family, which I think is helped beautifully by the fact that you see that he basically has no life of his own, whenever he’s not at work and he’s just going through his at home life you see that he does it with such monotone indifference that it’s almost like he mentally shuts down and goes into a state of dormancy whenever he’s not working, and I think it was brilliant how when the mother is trying to make Jake feel better about Sy she starts talking about how he probably has all these nice things in his life, yet during that entire voiceover we see him in his apartment and it’s the direct opposite, as I said it’s shown to us like he literally doesn’t have a life of his own and this family that he develops photos for is basically all he has in life
Missed it in cinema, but immediately got the DVD when I heard how good Robin Williams was. Still have that disc 20 years on and watch it at least every couple of years: an absolute classic!
My reason for sleeping on One Hour Photo- 2002 was a heavy year, post 9/11, lead up to Iraq war… I didn’t want to watch any depressing shit at the time. Also, Robin Williams playing the creepy bad guy- I wasn’t ready for that. I always liked my Robin Williams as the comforting, rambunctious guy. Whenever he did a drama, they were good obviously but he’s so convincing at the sad stuff that it breaks your heart. He really was one of the most gifted actors and comedians ever. All that said, you’ve convinced me to give it a watch. It sounds great!
I remember seeing One Hour Photo in junior high. Watched it on DVD, alone in my bedroom. I watched it one more time after that with a friend and then couldn’t bring myself to watch it ever again. I’m sure I’d have a far different appreciation for it now. But it always struck me as one of those films that strikes nerves in a very “icky” way. It’s not horror, it’s not disgusting, it’s not even scary. But it is wildly uncomfortable. And I think a big component to this is the fact that Robin Williams is the lead “creep.” Robin was always supposed to be the one to make you laugh and smile. And seeing him in a role like this was absolutely heartbreaking on so many levels.
I can remember exactly when I saw this movie in my teens, it was in fact grade 10 with my first real high school girlfriend. We chose to see it for the sole reason that we had a photography class together, it was literally the only thing we had in common, haha. I was no stranger to horror movies, but she certainly was, and it left a very lasting impression on me. She, not so much, as we only dated 2 weeks. I still remember that date though! I couldn't agree more about the acting of Robin. It was shocking to see him in such a light at the time, and since his death movies like this actually pain me to see, just as much as his comedies. We lost a genuinely wonderful human to the most insidious of personal ailments
In the same year, Robin Williams did One Hour Photo and Insomnia. That was the turning point in his career to show he could play dark and disturbed just as well as Funny & Silly (Jumanji) and Warm & Dramatic (Good Will Hunting). Such a brilliant actor, so many of his movies were integral to my youth. Dearly Missed sir. RIP.
So happy you covered this film. I randomly watched it once without knowing anything about it and was absolutely blown away by it. You are absolutely right about it being one of the most underrated films ever made. Phenomenal movie
It was this performance that made me think Robin Williams would have made an amazing Riddler. A real disturbed version. What a performer he was. Rest in Peace.
One of my all time faves! Amazing performance with pure chills! Robin was a gift to us all for so many years! He’s deeply missed and his film legacy is inspiring and memorable!
I just revisited this last year. Man, ...brutal; Beautiful. Thanks for bringing this to others attention. I'll never forget seeing this in the theatre. Everybody was so silent afterward... Magic.
i absolutely love 1 Hour Photo. Robin williams really does a great job with the transition from his normal, goofy and over the top comedy to something darker and quieter. He's eerie and unsettling with how he stalks the family and simply standing alone by himself is just creepy. He really could have won an award for this performance, its one of his best
Robin Williams was truly a phenomenal actor. He was absolutely hiiiiilarious, but he also gave us One Hour Photo, Insomnia, and Final Cut, where he plays an outstanding villain. I would have loved to see what he would have done with the character of the joker if given the opportunity.
This film is truly underrated. Masterful performance by Williams and makes you miss him even more. As a film photographer his performance truly creeped me out!! Not to mention the story is overall heartbreaking
Haven't seen this masterpiece in years. And I stress the word "Masterpiece". One of my top 3 from Robin Williams. Continue resting gracefully, brother.
I always loved this movie! I saw it in the theater. I had to see it because I loved Mark Romanek’s music videos and I loved everything Robin Williams ever did. I didn’t know what to expect and it blew me away. It was the first time I paid attention to the use of color in movies.
So glad you reviewed this one! This is one I rented as a freshman in college on a whim, and I got WAY more than I expected - Robin Williams made it something I’ll never forget. Also yes that nightmare scene was totally unexpected and it scared the hell out of me :P
I do not think this guy's a monster. His behavior is terrifying and beyond unacceptable, but from my perspective this person is very very traumatized by his past and youth. Things have happened in his family, probably when he was growing up, that must have been truly horrifying. Therefore he can not accept any normal family to not cherish and maintain what they have at all costs. He's trying to somehow fix or at least keep his trauma at bay by living vicariously through other *seemingly* happy (pictuer perfect..)families. I think it's a tragically sad, but strangely beautiful portrait of a traumatized, deeply sad and alone man.
I'm glad you chose this movie because it always stayed with me. The performance of Robin Willams affected me because it was too real. I remeber thinking 'He's not acting, not totally'. It gave me the feeling that he was drawing from very real darkness and pain. That there was also a profoundly sad person underneath the clown mask he had been showing to the world. As time went on and I discovered more about Robin Williams I'm only more convinced that my instincts about this performance were right. I'm still very sad at his passing. I wish things had been different and he was still making us laugh today.
This totally is one of the more underrated movies of the last 30 years or so. I was 14 when it came out and in the early stages of my “film snob” period and I found this to be very affective and that Williams was robbed of an Oscar nod.
He used to come to my movie theater that I worked at in San Francisco. He always came alone, very quiet, and he wouldn’t look you in the eyes. It was very sad and you could tell something was going on. I miss him terribly 😭
I remember seeing this movie when it came out. I loved it. It was one of my favorite movies at the time and gave me more appreciation for more comedy oriented actors stepping outside of their comfort zone and really delivering. Robin was so talented and he definitely deserved something for this role.
I always thought he was brilliant in this movie too. He was so disturbing yet so sympathetic. Hard to really portray that on film. RIP to one of the greatest actors to ever grace the silver screen ❤
Thank you so much for reviewing this movie! I’ve always loved the feel and soundtrack. Robin Williams is chilling and electric when playing sinister roles. RIP to a great legend! 💐 🍿 🎥
I love this movie! The scene where he buys an old photograph of a woman is both touching and creepy at the same time when we know he uses it later on to create his fake life. Thank you for featuring this film (and many others) this Halloween Chris! 😁
Absolutely ADORE this film!!! It's absolutely the closest to being a Hitchcock film....without being made by Alfred Hitchcock. And it's so tragic that films like One Hour Photo and The Mothman Prophecies and Donnie Darko came out during a period when (American) films that tried to have a deeper artistic feel were just not being made or respected just didn't get the recognition or respect they deserved. If those films were made today by a studio like A24 they would've received huge acclaim and recognition. Thank you so much for acknowledging this master....and of course I'm glad to be Stuckman-ized 😎🤓👍👍
I remember watching this movie and feeling conflicted. I felt sad for the guy, but at the same time knowing the things he was doing were wrong. Such a good movie.
Chris you have brought us so many hidden gems this month, I watched Frailty last week and it was amazing cannot thank you enough for these great psychological horrors. For other Paxton fans, the movie A Simple Plan is amazing.
Chris your reviews are still to notch! You talk about the big but also some small, brilliantly geeky things others miss out and I will always appreciate it😊
Thank you Chris for choosing this. I've always thought this movie was underrated and as a huge Robin Williams fan, it showed us how astonishingly well rounded he was as an actor. I believe, somehown the love we all have for him played perfectly into the impact the character has on the audience. On the outside he's sweet, caring and lovely, albeit a bit creepy sometimes, but when we get to meet him by himsemf in solitude we are shocked because we are used to Robin being the good, sweet guy in everything, so this roll was the perfect new ground for him to break into, and he did it the best way possible. It's an excellent thriller. Perhaps not "Silence Of The Lambs" levels, but still top of the line thriller. I would say today's equivalent of this film is Jake Gyllenhaal's Nightcrawler. Truly underrated and excellent thriller.😢
Great movie. One of rare Robin's performances where he is silent, subdued, reserved, and completely removed from his usual high-energy performances. Great psychological thriller.
Thank you so much for giving this movie the attention it deserves! Definitely one of the most underrated films out there, and one of Robin Williams best performances, on par with Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver.
I've seen this movie soooo many times. It always been a masterpiece for me. I was just starting studying in cinema when it came out, discovering cinematography and editing and this movie is pretty much perfect on those two fronts. When I think about it, the first half of the 2000's was a great time for directors who had a specific vision(especially newcomers), with studios willing to back them up. Requiem for a dream, One Hour Photo, Children of Men, Amores Perros, Mulholland Drive, Oldboy, City of God and many others were made during that first half. I'm happy I was studying during that time because it gave me a lot of inspirations to do my own work.
"One Hour Photo" also was released right about when analogue photo processing was being replaced by digital. I worked at a huge Fugi 35mm film development facility, and we saw everything, people would make copies of personal photos all the time. There was no oversight or security. Kinda like a unprotected digital devices today.
Robin Williams went off with dramatic roles in the early 2000's. This movie is one of my favorite horror movies. An unsettling protagonist and a fitting but bittersweet ending.
This movie scared the shit out of me. Easily an underrated horror film. I saw it maybe 3 times and it still haunts me how masterful this film was made. It’s so believable…and bone chilling.
I haven't watched One Hour Photo in a few years but directly after watching this review I put it in. It reminded me what an incredible film and performance from Robin Williams it is. Thanks!
Thank you so much, Chris, for reviewing this film! I also feel that it is highly underrated and it's one of my all time favorite Robin Williams films. His ability to be a complete genius in comedy and turn around to also be a complete genius in dramatic roles is what makes him such a legend. I have seen this film at least half a dozen times and am now going to revisit it again. Great review!
So many great allusions to film and photos in this movie. The double entendre of red, the monochromatic scenes of dyeing (and dying) film. I especially love the rearview mirror positioned like a black bar over his eyes you showed. Shout out to the wordplay in the main character's name, Sy Parrish: Sy short for psychopath or cyclops (Greek prefix Cy means circle, like a lens or eye) as well as Seymour (as in "see more") and Parrish for perish (to die).
So glad you reviewed this. Not only one of my favourite movies, but it’s my favourite Robin Williams performances. It’s worth getting on DVD/Blu-Ray for the special features, the commentary with Robin Williams is great alone.
I'm so happy to see you talk about this one. This is one of those movies I think about that is criminally underrated. I remember watching this after seeing Robin Williams be in funny movies how it really shocked me in a good way. I'm going to rewatch this because I have not seen it in a long time. In movies about loneliness it really hits deep, reminds me in a way of ikiru by kurosawa, not a creepy factor to it but sadness of loneliness after a long life..
I absolutely love this movie. I'm proud to say this movie is in my collection. I do watch it from time to time. In my opinion this movie is ahead of it's time. The acting and the plot was magnificent. It brings a different type of vibe or feel when you watch it.
I agree this movie is amazing. People think they know Robin Williams with, "good will hunting, mrs. Doubtfire, hook" but this will forever be my favorite role of his. R.I.P Mr. Williams
I saw this movie when I was really young so I didn't understand really what it was about. But watching this video made me really want to go back and watch it again. Ever since I started watching your channel I've defiantly have had a different perspective watching movies, and I am grateful for that.
I honestly can not bring myself to watch it after seeing it once due to how sad and disturbing it is. I have to agree it is beautifully made and just the colors and the camera shots it just adds to the uncomfortableness of the whole movie. Seriously underrated and I have to recommend to watch at least once.
I remember watching this as a kid with my parents but I will definitely have to watch it again because I only really remember the beginning and the overall concept. Loved your review as always!
Chris you hit the nail on the head with your analysis of Sy. I 100% can identify with the uncomfortableness that comes with interpersonal interactions AND large social environments. People think you're weird bc they're seeing/hearing you process info in real time rather the milliseconds it may take the average person to instinctively respond. However, emotional responses are much more free flowing and concentrated. So the delivery is focused, intense, and most times carefully thought through at an alarming speed. There is a gift and curse to everything I guess 🤷🏾♂️
This was such an awesome thing he noticed about Sy’s character. I never knew why I felt so comfortable relating to him, and why this movie strangely comforted me. Chris was definitely onto something with his analysis ❤
Can’t believe you’re upto the 11th Halloween time… I subscribed at the 5th or 6th and have been loving your content ever since.!! 😁👍 Thankyou for keeping this tradition of yours going.!!
You nailed it, Chris. I’ve always loved this movie. I was intrigued from the moment I first saw the trailer and it only exceeded my expectations. To this day, I’m shocked by the people who don’t know it. Truly brilliant work. More people should find and be absorbed by this film.
I am glad to see someone talk about this film. I watched this many years ago and it blew me away. William's' captivating passivity, even while he is being bullied at work, even as it is so obvious he suffers from an undiagnosed developmental disorder [Asperger's, if not full-blown autism, I'm guessing] just spoke such volumes. The real tragedy in this film is that a victim, through a lack of appropriate support, can be driven into being an aggressor, because the safety harnesses they would otherwise have had to keep them safe, just are not extended to them.
On the topic of overlooked dark Robin Williams roles, another couple suggestions: World's Greatest Dad: An incredibly morbid comedy (tragedy? it's hard to tell) that's basically a better version of Dear Evan Hanson. Williams is an emotionally distant writer/dad whose teenage son is an absolute asshole, basically Butthead IRL. Then one day he comes home to find his son with a noose around his neck, and his pants around his feet. Rather than let his son be remembered like *that* he fakes a su*c*de note, which turns the kid into a misunderstood martyr, and it all snowballs from there. Williams is excellent, and the movie is quite good if very uncomfortable at points. Dead Again: I believe this was his very first dark role. He has a supporting part in an awesome and completely overlooked neo-noir, directed by Kenneth Branagh, where he plays a slimy disgraced psychiatrist who ends up being an advisor to Branagh's detective. It's not a huge role but it was like nothing he'd done before. Plus seriously, Dead Again is GREAT and it would actually be a good October watch since it has a bit of a supernatural twist. (And of course there's Death To Smoochy, but I think most fans know about that one.)
THANK YOU!!!! retratos de una obsesion is the name in spanish... probably my favorite Robin Williams's movie.. as a teenager it was so shocking, as an adult almost 40, it reaches deep.. the way he sees himself in the illusion of a "happy life" is so well done, and like you mentioned, the colors of the movie, it's spectacular.. I keep recommending this movie to people, but most never even care.
Hi Chris! I've watched your channel for about 5 years now and I've enjoyed it. Your analysis of this movie I found particularly synchronistic and hard hitting to myself personally. This was a movie I saw around 13 years old? I'm 34 now, we're similar in age I believe. It's funny how movies change with time to the viewer. When I was young I felt bad for Si. I still do but life and time makes you kind of look at it differently. Great review thanks!
Chris, you outdid yourself! This is best Holloween spacial you ever done in my opinion, full of underaded jems. And yes - Romanek is a wonderful director. His second movie from 2010, Never let me go, is also amezing. Him and Jonathen Glazer are very similar - awesome dirctors with not enough movies. More, please (:
I did a video myself recently about this film, but I never thought about the careful pacing of most of Sy's interactions and the contrast with the anger. Just shows how everyone brings their own understanding and experiences to films
This movie changed the way that I look at Robin Williams as an actor. I knew he was good. I did not know he was this good. RIP, Robin Williams, one of your best performances ever in a movie that no one knows about.
This was the most chilling performance from Robin Williams. Cuz the filmmaker made him keep all of his manic energy contained within himself for almost the entire film's story until the end. And cinematically, at the time, there was almost nothing more chilling than a CONTAINED Robin Williams. Your review makes me want to watch it again.
I was a childhood fan of Mork and Mindy, and the characters he played in the dramatic roles in this movie and in Insomnia couldn't be further from that naive, benevolent character. He does play the stranger/outsider in these movies and in the sitcom so maybe some theory can be argued of their similarities. I love the details you bring out. I forgot about the image of him in the 2-way mirror and the twisted labyrinth of the parking garage. I remember one truly disturbing, telling scene: when he takes the married couple captive and directs their poses for the creepy photo session. That scene explained his childhood trauma and his fascination with the camera.
This film is currently streaming on Disney. Just watched it again last week for probabky the 10th time since released. I think it is a masterpiece. Insomnia showed his potential as a villain, but this movie, chills me to the bone, amazing performance. As Chris says, the loneliness, the heartbreak and that line 'what the hell is wrong with these people' shows the even back then empty existence of what appears to be a perfect family. I have witnessed this myself, seeing a well off 'perfect family' but they were a total mess. Makes you really wonder who is normal and that lifestyle where success is involved will see at least one of those members always looking for more causing the rift. Jim Carrey said 'I wish everyone could be rich and famous and see that its not the answer'. I guess with the way social media is that we as a society have definitely not learned this. I would love to sit with Chris and discuss this movie for hours! Great review!
This is one of those movies I've watched and LOVED, but have yet to rewatch. I think it's time for me to revisit the whole "Robin's dark trilogy" - Death to Smoochy, Insomnia, and One Hour Photo. Followed by Aladdin and Mrs Doubtfire to bring back the laughter. RIP Robin - you were one of, no scratch that, you were THE best!
The slow zoom out in his apartment to reveal the vast collection of double ordered prints of the family adoring every inch of his wall is mesmerizing and incredibly unsettling. Brilliant film
add to it the wonderfully funny, yet also particularly harrowing, sideshow bob murder episode playing in the background from The Simpsons.
You really feel bad for Sy. He just wanted to be part of a loving family.
This movie and Insomnia always made me want to see more villain performances from Robin Williams. He was surprisingly great in those parts.
He’s not a villain in this movie
@@sk8mafia214Well, he sure as hell ain't the hero. Among other things, he breaks into a hotel room and holds the husband and his lover at gunpoint at the climax of the film, all because of the shattering of his own perceived views of what he thought the family members were like based solely on the tiny side of them he saw in their family photos.
Of course, there are attempts (very effective ones) to make his character sympathetic, and he is clearly mentally disturbed to a degree... but he was also VERY aware of what he was doing the whole time and had no illusions as to the overall illegality of it.
Also, keep in mind, "villain" and "antagonist" are not the same thing. One Hour Photo is a film like Joker, where the protagonist IS a clear cut criminal, regardless of their mental difficulties or the problems they've had in their lives. However, in both of those films... that uncommon narrative perspective led to two fantastic stories with deep, disturbing, but still somehow relatable and human character studies.
He was also a bad guy in an episode of law and order svu.
Never liked him as conedian, comedy is subjectove after all, while he's amazing with dramatic roles. All comedic actors are the best villains!
RIP robin, still can't believe he's gone
Robin Williams was a national treasure that we shouldn't have lost so soon. Wherever he is, I hope he knows how much we miss him.
He's dead
I couldn't agree more, he's one of my favorite actors and gone too soon
Robin’s death bothered me more than any other celebrity death I can recall. It was just awful.
well said 😢
He's buried deep under the ground lol, but definitely lives on through his work
The best comedians understand both laughter and tragedy and that's what made Robin Williams so special
Robin Williams in 2002 did the impossible. Between: Death To Smootchy, Insomnia and this, he did 3 phenomenal bad guys/creepy villains performances that wasnt his usual
Death to smoothy was fckkng awesome. One of my favorite robin wiloamd and ed norton movies.
Considering how funny, likeable, loveable, and popular amongst both adults and kids alike he was, that was quite a feat.
All in the same year? Damn, that Is some serious achievement in terms of roles. Honestly, if he was still alive, I would have loved him to see him in another Romanek or even on another Nolan film. He just left way too soon, and I still miss him in films.
@@cpl.barbarusc4814
Same
You said exactly what I was thinking before I even clicked the thumbnail to watch this video.
Bottom line. One of my favourite films of all time. It is so well done. From the writing, to the pacing, to the cinematography, to the acting. Tragically underrated and completely needs to be discovered.
If you want to find out why Robin Williams was such a great actor, just see this film.
I met the iconic Robin Williams back in the late 80's when I worked at a movie theater. He had brought his family to see a movie and I treated him with respect. Our paths would cross over the years, including when he was cracking up the audience during one of the showings of the San Francisco International Film Festival. So glad that you got the chance to watch "One Hour Photo" and appreciate his genius.
... and appreciate what?
That's awesome. Truly an amazing talent.
How awesome!!!
Robin Williams should have got an Oscar for this film
This film is so powerful that it often feels like a litmus test. Some people will see Sy as creepy and off putting. Others will view him in a more sympathetic light. Socially awkward due to an abusive past. I still say Robin deserved awards for this. The film speaks to certain people now more than ever in a time where there is an increasing sense of loneliness due to technology. The family structure evolving with it, too.
I'm sure he appreciates that you know that though bro 💯
Great comment!
it was creepy, people that sympathize makes sense but we live in an immoral society and since morals arent followed then if people wana destroy themselves thats there choice, dont need to be a creep to impose a moral standard to people that have no morals, but thats how the world has always been
@@truthforever-yp9qpI hope English isn't your first language.
@@englishatheart enjoy worshipping .pdf files forever
I liked this when it came out, but forgot all about it. I re-watched it for the first time a few years ago and was blown away by it. I'd go so far to say this is one of the best films of that decade. Criminally underrated and due to be rediscovered.
It used to play all the time on the Starz and Encore channels after its theatrical release. It's an addictive movie for whatever reason.
Mark Romanek is one of the most underrated directors on the planet! ‘One Hour Photo’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’ are absolute masterpieces! He’s also responsible for some of the most iconic music videos ever made!
Never Let Me Go? The one that had Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley in it? He directed that movie? Damn I never knew that
Never Let Me Go is insanely boring
Settle down, Peter Pan. He’s made three movies.
This was a legendary performance, I loved this movie Robin Williams his acting was epic. I hate he was dealing with hard core mental illness. He brought us soooo much much joy even while he was hurting. Robin Williams just a legend. His acting is top tier, deeply missed never forgotten.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
One of my favorite thrillers and Robin Williams performances. It’s also a Time Capsule because since we’re in the digital era, people forget you had to develop photos
I watched One Hour Photo earlier this year on Hulu and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The same actor who played the manager in Office Space is the manager of the store in this movie and it was very dramatic but I couldn't help but imagine him doing the "Uhhh if you could get me those TPS reports, that'd be greattt."
Yes! Gary Cole does play a great a-hole boss! 😂
I re-watched this on Hulu earlier this year for the first time in well over a decade, and it’s still a remarkable film that holds up. Absolutely love it.
So glad you highlighted this film. I bought it at a thrift store on a whim, because Robin Williams, several years ago, and watched it and it’s one of my most common recommendations now. People need to see this movie. I compare it to Joker, wherein you sympathize with the antagonist to the point where you feel for them. Well said, man. I’m happy you’re bringing attention to this 👌
One of my favorite thrillers of that decade. Robin Williams best performance of his late career. It's not even close. The final interrogation scene gets me every time.
That scene was sad for me, you can see that the detective can understand what Sey had been through and dealt with in his life based on how he was expressing hisself.
Mark Romanek said he was inspired by the Lonely Man movies of the '70s like Taxi Driver, The Conversation, etc. You can definitely see those movies' themes echoed here as Sy's social isolation turns to obsession and then violence. Brilliant stuff. Sadly Romanek's movie career never really took off after this; he's mostly made music videos and TV since, and only made one other feature film which didn't get much attention. (He did notably direct the Johnny Cash video for Hurt, which is easily one of the best music videos of all time.)
It still is so sad that we lost Robin Williams so soon fucking every performance by him is so different but so good
This is the type of film you forget about then as soon as you seen it again you watch straight away. Such a good film
This and death to smoochy are underrated robin williams movies.
I've never forgotten about this movie.
This is such a magnificent movie, I love the theme of Sy being a man who basically lives his entire life through this family, even to the point where he legitimately through his own eyes inserts himself into the family, which I think is helped beautifully by the fact that you see that he basically has no life of his own, whenever he’s not at work and he’s just going through his at home life you see that he does it with such monotone indifference that it’s almost like he mentally shuts down and goes into a state of dormancy whenever he’s not working, and I think it was brilliant how when the mother is trying to make Jake feel better about Sy she starts talking about how he probably has all these nice things in his life, yet during that entire voiceover we see him in his apartment and it’s the direct opposite, as I said it’s shown to us like he literally doesn’t have a life of his own and this family that he develops photos for is basically all he has in life
Missed it in cinema, but immediately got the DVD when I heard how good Robin Williams was. Still have that disc 20 years on and watch it at least every couple of years: an absolute classic!
My reason for sleeping on One Hour Photo- 2002 was a heavy year, post 9/11, lead up to Iraq war… I didn’t want to watch any depressing shit at the time. Also, Robin Williams playing the creepy bad guy- I wasn’t ready for that. I always liked my Robin Williams as the comforting, rambunctious guy. Whenever he did a drama, they were good obviously but he’s so convincing at the sad stuff that it breaks your heart. He really was one of the most gifted actors and comedians ever. All that said, you’ve convinced me to give it a watch. It sounds great!
I remember seeing One Hour Photo in junior high. Watched it on DVD, alone in my bedroom. I watched it one more time after that with a friend and then couldn’t bring myself to watch it ever again. I’m sure I’d have a far different appreciation for it now. But it always struck me as one of those films that strikes nerves in a very “icky” way. It’s not horror, it’s not disgusting, it’s not even scary. But it is wildly uncomfortable. And I think a big component to this is the fact that Robin Williams is the lead “creep.” Robin was always supposed to be the one to make you laugh and smile. And seeing him in a role like this was absolutely heartbreaking on so many levels.
I can remember exactly when I saw this movie in my teens, it was in fact grade 10 with my first real high school girlfriend. We chose to see it for the sole reason that we had a photography class together, it was literally the only thing we had in common, haha. I was no stranger to horror movies, but she certainly was, and it left a very lasting impression on me. She, not so much, as we only dated 2 weeks. I still remember that date though!
I couldn't agree more about the acting of Robin. It was shocking to see him in such a light at the time, and since his death movies like this actually pain me to see, just as much as his comedies. We lost a genuinely wonderful human to the most insidious of personal ailments
In the same year, Robin Williams did One Hour Photo and Insomnia. That was the turning point in his career to show he could play dark and disturbed just as well as Funny & Silly (Jumanji) and Warm & Dramatic (Good Will Hunting). Such a brilliant actor, so many of his movies were integral to my youth. Dearly Missed sir. RIP.
So happy you covered this film. I randomly watched it once without knowing anything about it and was absolutely blown away by it. You are absolutely right about it being one of the most underrated films ever made. Phenomenal movie
It was this performance that made me think Robin Williams would have made an amazing Riddler. A real disturbed version. What a performer he was. Rest in Peace.
One of my all time faves! Amazing performance with pure chills! Robin was a gift to us all for so many years! He’s deeply missed and his film legacy is inspiring and memorable!
I just revisited this last year. Man, ...brutal; Beautiful. Thanks for bringing this to others attention. I'll never forget seeing this in the theatre. Everybody was so silent afterward... Magic.
i absolutely love 1 Hour Photo. Robin williams really does a great job with the transition from his normal, goofy and over the top comedy to something darker and quieter. He's eerie and unsettling with how he stalks the family and simply standing alone by himself is just creepy. He really could have won an award for this performance, its one of his best
Robin Williams was truly a phenomenal actor. He was absolutely hiiiiilarious, but he also gave us One Hour Photo, Insomnia, and Final Cut, where he plays an outstanding villain.
I would have loved to see what he would have done with the character of the joker if given the opportunity.
This film is truly underrated. Masterful performance by Williams and makes you miss him even more. As a film photographer his performance truly creeped me out!! Not to mention the story is overall heartbreaking
Haven't seen this masterpiece in years. And I stress the word "Masterpiece". One of my top 3 from Robin Williams. Continue resting gracefully, brother.
I always loved this movie! I saw it in the theater. I had to see it because I loved Mark Romanek’s music videos and I loved everything Robin Williams ever did. I didn’t know what to expect and it blew me away. It was the first time I paid attention to the use of color in movies.
So glad you reviewed this one! This is one I rented as a freshman in college on a whim, and I got WAY more than I expected - Robin Williams made it something I’ll never forget.
Also yes that nightmare scene was totally unexpected and it scared the hell out of me :P
I do not think this guy's a monster.
His behavior is terrifying and beyond unacceptable, but from my perspective this person is very very traumatized by his past and youth.
Things have happened in his family, probably when he was growing up, that must have been truly horrifying. Therefore he can not accept any normal family to not cherish and maintain what they have at all costs. He's trying to somehow fix or at least keep his trauma at bay by living vicariously through other *seemingly* happy (pictuer perfect..)families.
I think it's a tragically sad, but strangely beautiful portrait of a traumatized, deeply sad and alone man.
I'm glad you chose this movie because it always stayed with me. The performance of Robin Willams affected me because it was too real. I remeber thinking 'He's not acting, not totally'. It gave me the feeling that he was drawing from very real darkness and pain. That there was also a profoundly sad person underneath the clown mask he had been showing to the world. As time went on and I discovered more about Robin Williams I'm only more convinced that my instincts about this performance were right. I'm still very sad at his passing. I wish things had been different and he was still making us laugh today.
This totally is one of the more underrated movies of the last 30 years or so. I was 14 when it came out and in the early stages of my “film snob” period and I found this to be very affective and that Williams was robbed of an Oscar nod.
He used to come to my movie theater that I worked at in San Francisco. He always came alone, very quiet, and he wouldn’t look you in the eyes. It was very sad and you could tell something was going on. I miss him terribly 😭
You on a roll this year with the Halloween reviews. Frailty and One hour photo are both underrated masterpieces
I remember seeing this movie when it came out. I loved it. It was one of my favorite movies at the time and gave me more appreciation for more comedy oriented actors stepping outside of their comfort zone and really delivering. Robin was so talented and he definitely deserved something for this role.
This film is an absolute masterpiece. It is shame that no one I talk to has seen this brilliant film. Thank you, Chris, for this upload 😊
I always thought he was brilliant in this movie too. He was so disturbing yet so sympathetic. Hard to really portray that on film. RIP to one of the greatest actors to ever grace the silver screen ❤
Thank you so much for reviewing this movie! I’ve always loved the feel and soundtrack. Robin Williams is chilling and electric when playing sinister roles. RIP to a great legend! 💐 🍿 🎥
One of the many OUTSTANDING movies from RW. Damn I miss that dude....RIP to one of the 🐐s ❤❤❤
One Hour Photo is my #1 favorite Robin Williams movie for so many years!
One of my absolute favorite movies ever. I’m really happy you got around to reviewing this.
It sits rent free in my head. The need to connect to something is so raw and real
I love this movie!
The scene where he buys an old photograph of a woman is both touching and creepy at the same time when we know he uses it later on to create his fake life.
Thank you for featuring this film (and many others) this Halloween Chris! 😁
Absolutely ADORE this film!!! It's absolutely the closest to being a Hitchcock film....without being made by Alfred Hitchcock. And it's so tragic that films like One Hour Photo and The Mothman Prophecies and Donnie Darko came out during a period when (American) films that tried to have a deeper artistic feel were just not being made or respected just didn't get the recognition or respect they deserved. If those films were made today by a studio like A24 they would've received huge acclaim and recognition. Thank you so much for acknowledging this master....and of course I'm glad to be Stuckman-ized 😎🤓👍👍
I remember watching this movie and feeling conflicted. I felt sad for the guy, but at the same time knowing the things he was doing were wrong. Such a good movie.
Chris you have brought us so many hidden gems this month, I watched Frailty last week and it was amazing cannot thank you enough for these great psychological horrors. For other Paxton fans, the movie A Simple Plan is amazing.
Chris your reviews are still to notch! You talk about the big but also some small, brilliantly geeky things others miss out and I will always appreciate it😊
Thank you Chris for choosing this. I've always thought this movie was underrated and as a huge Robin Williams fan, it showed us how astonishingly well rounded he was as an actor. I believe, somehown the love we all have for him played perfectly into the impact the character has on the audience. On the outside he's sweet, caring and lovely, albeit a bit creepy sometimes, but when we get to meet him by himsemf in solitude we are shocked because we are used to Robin being the good, sweet guy in everything, so this roll was the perfect new ground for him to break into, and he did it the best way possible. It's an excellent thriller. Perhaps not "Silence Of The Lambs" levels, but still top of the line thriller.
I would say today's equivalent of this film is Jake Gyllenhaal's Nightcrawler. Truly underrated and excellent thriller.😢
Thanks for reviewing this one. It, too, is one of my favorites. I love the powerful performance of Robin Williams.
Great movie. One of rare Robin's performances where he is silent, subdued, reserved, and completely removed from his usual high-energy performances. Great psychological thriller.
Thank you so much for giving this movie the attention it deserves! Definitely one of the most underrated films out there, and one of Robin Williams best performances, on par with Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver.
I've seen this movie soooo many times. It always been a masterpiece for me. I was just starting studying in cinema when it came out, discovering cinematography and editing and this movie is pretty much perfect on those two fronts. When I think about it, the first half of the 2000's was a great time for directors who had a specific vision(especially newcomers), with studios willing to back them up. Requiem for a dream, One Hour Photo, Children of Men, Amores Perros, Mulholland Drive, Oldboy, City of God and many others were made during that first half. I'm happy I was studying during that time because it gave me a lot of inspirations to do my own work.
Great review man! You’re understanding of the small details as intentional choices by the actor and director is so cool to me!
"One Hour Photo" also was released right about when analogue photo processing was being replaced by digital. I worked at a huge Fugi 35mm film development facility, and we saw everything, people would make copies of personal photos all the time. There was no oversight or security. Kinda like a unprotected digital devices today.
Robin Williams went off with dramatic roles in the early 2000's. This movie is one of my favorite horror movies. An unsettling protagonist and a fitting but bittersweet ending.
This movie scared the shit out of me. Easily an underrated horror film. I saw it maybe 3 times and it still haunts me how masterful this film was made. It’s so believable…and bone chilling.
I haven't watched One Hour Photo in a few years but directly after watching this review I put it in. It reminded me what an incredible film and performance from Robin Williams it is. Thanks!
Thank you so much, Chris, for reviewing this film! I also feel that it is highly underrated and it's one of my all time favorite Robin Williams films. His ability to be a complete genius in comedy and turn around to also be a complete genius in dramatic roles is what makes him such a legend. I have seen this film at least half a dozen times and am now going to revisit it again. Great review!
Man Chris, first frailty now this. You really reccomd some fine films this year, thank you!!
This is a hidden gem. Great movie. Great acting. We miss you brother 🖤
So many great allusions to film and photos in this movie. The double entendre of red, the monochromatic scenes of dyeing (and dying) film. I especially love the rearview mirror positioned like a black bar over his eyes you showed. Shout out to the wordplay in the main character's name, Sy Parrish: Sy short for psychopath or cyclops (Greek prefix Cy means circle, like a lens or eye) as well as Seymour (as in "see more") and Parrish for perish (to die).
So glad you reviewed this. Not only one of my favourite movies, but it’s my favourite Robin Williams performances.
It’s worth getting on DVD/Blu-Ray for the special features, the commentary with Robin Williams is great alone.
I'm so happy to see you talk about this one. This is one of those movies I think about that is criminally underrated. I remember watching this after seeing Robin Williams be in funny movies how it really shocked me in a good way. I'm going to rewatch this because I have not seen it in a long time. In movies about loneliness it really hits deep, reminds me in a way of ikiru by kurosawa, not a creepy factor to it but sadness of loneliness after a long life..
I absolutely love this movie. I'm proud to say this movie is in my collection. I do watch it from time to time. In my opinion this movie is ahead of it's time. The acting and the plot was magnificent. It brings a different type of vibe or feel when you watch it.
Your analysis on this was quite possibly your best one.
I agree this movie is amazing. People think they know Robin Williams with, "good will hunting, mrs. Doubtfire, hook" but this will forever be my favorite role of his. R.I.P Mr. Williams
I saw this movie when I was really young so I didn't understand really what it was about. But watching this video made me really want to go back and watch it again. Ever since I started watching your channel I've defiantly have had a different perspective watching movies, and I am grateful for that.
I honestly can not bring myself to watch it after seeing it once due to how sad and disturbing it is. I have to agree it is beautifully made and just the colors and the camera shots it just adds to the uncomfortableness of the whole movie. Seriously underrated and I have to recommend to watch at least once.
I remember watching this as a kid with my parents but I will definitely have to watch it again because I only really remember the beginning and the overall concept. Loved your review as always!
just watched this yesterday, what are the odds. thanks for the review Chris
Chris you hit the nail on the head with your analysis of Sy. I 100% can identify with the uncomfortableness that comes with interpersonal interactions AND large social environments. People think you're weird bc they're seeing/hearing you process info in real time rather the milliseconds it may take the average person to instinctively respond. However, emotional responses are much more free flowing and concentrated. So the delivery is focused, intense, and most times carefully thought through at an alarming speed. There is a gift and curse to everything I guess 🤷🏾♂️
This was such an awesome thing he noticed about Sy’s character. I never knew why I felt so comfortable relating to him, and why this movie strangely comforted me. Chris was definitely onto something with his analysis ❤
RIP Robin Williams. Great actor.
Can’t believe you’re upto the 11th Halloween time… I subscribed at the 5th or 6th and have been loving your content ever since.!! 😁👍 Thankyou for keeping this tradition of yours going.!!
You nailed it, Chris. I’ve always loved this movie. I was intrigued from the moment I first saw the trailer and it only exceeded my expectations. To this day, I’m shocked by the people who don’t know it. Truly brilliant work. More people should find and be absorbed by this film.
I am glad to see someone talk about this film. I watched this many years ago and it blew me away. William's' captivating passivity, even while he is being bullied at work, even as it is so obvious he suffers from an undiagnosed developmental disorder [Asperger's, if not full-blown autism, I'm guessing] just spoke such volumes.
The real tragedy in this film is that a victim, through a lack of appropriate support, can be driven into being an aggressor, because the safety harnesses they would otherwise have had to keep them safe, just are not extended to them.
On the topic of overlooked dark Robin Williams roles, another couple suggestions:
World's Greatest Dad: An incredibly morbid comedy (tragedy? it's hard to tell) that's basically a better version of Dear Evan Hanson. Williams is an emotionally distant writer/dad whose teenage son is an absolute asshole, basically Butthead IRL. Then one day he comes home to find his son with a noose around his neck, and his pants around his feet. Rather than let his son be remembered like *that* he fakes a su*c*de note, which turns the kid into a misunderstood martyr, and it all snowballs from there. Williams is excellent, and the movie is quite good if very uncomfortable at points.
Dead Again: I believe this was his very first dark role. He has a supporting part in an awesome and completely overlooked neo-noir, directed by Kenneth Branagh, where he plays a slimy disgraced psychiatrist who ends up being an advisor to Branagh's detective. It's not a huge role but it was like nothing he'd done before. Plus seriously, Dead Again is GREAT and it would actually be a good October watch since it has a bit of a supernatural twist.
(And of course there's Death To Smoochy, but I think most fans know about that one.)
Great review Chris! Please make a review about The Night Listener that's another underrated gem of Robin Williams
THANK YOU!!!! retratos de una obsesion is the name in spanish... probably my favorite Robin Williams's movie.. as a teenager it was so shocking, as an adult almost 40, it reaches deep.. the way he sees himself in the illusion of a "happy life" is so well done, and like you mentioned, the colors of the movie, it's spectacular.. I keep recommending this movie to people, but most never even care.
Hi Chris! I've watched your channel for about 5 years now and I've enjoyed it.
Your analysis of this movie I found particularly synchronistic and hard hitting to myself personally.
This was a movie I saw around 13 years old? I'm 34 now, we're similar in age I believe. It's funny how movies change with time to the viewer. When I was young I felt bad for Si. I still do but life and time makes you kind of look at it differently.
Great review thanks!
This popped up in my feed and I got chills. Then proceeded to Like the video before the ad's even finished playing
Chris, you outdid yourself! This is best Holloween spacial you ever done in my opinion, full of underaded jems. And yes - Romanek is a wonderful director. His second movie from 2010, Never let me go, is also amezing. Him and Jonathen Glazer are very similar - awesome dirctors with not enough movies. More, please (:
Saw this in the theatre and was absolutely riveted. A phenomenal creepy film with an incredible performance by Williams.
I did a video myself recently about this film, but I never thought about the careful pacing of most of Sy's interactions and the contrast with the anger. Just shows how everyone brings their own understanding and experiences to films
Such an amazing movie! I miss Robin Williams so much, he was such an amazing actor and human. this is for sure one of his best movies ever!
This movie changed the way that I look at Robin Williams as an actor. I knew he was good. I did not know he was this good. RIP, Robin Williams, one of your best performances ever in a movie that no one knows about.
This was the most chilling performance from Robin Williams. Cuz the filmmaker made him keep all of his manic energy contained within himself for almost the entire film's story until the end.
And cinematically, at the time, there was almost nothing more chilling than a CONTAINED Robin Williams.
Your review makes me want to watch it again.
THANK YOU for this review. Such an overlooked thriller of the early 2000's, Robin is missed so much.
Miss Robin so damn much. Underrated film for sure, thanks for sharing Chris!
I was a childhood fan of Mork and Mindy, and the characters he played in the dramatic roles in this movie and in Insomnia couldn't be further from that naive, benevolent character. He does play the stranger/outsider in these movies and in the sitcom so maybe some theory can be argued of their similarities. I love the details you bring out. I forgot about the image of him in the 2-way mirror and the twisted labyrinth of the parking garage. I remember one truly disturbing, telling scene: when he takes the married couple captive and directs their poses for the creepy photo session. That scene explained his childhood trauma and his fascination with the camera.
I was never a movie fanatic but i caught this on tv when i was younger one night and it has stayed with me ever since.
This film is currently streaming on Disney. Just watched it again last week for probabky the 10th time since released. I think it is a masterpiece. Insomnia showed his potential as a villain, but this movie, chills me to the bone, amazing performance. As Chris says, the loneliness, the heartbreak and that line 'what the hell is wrong with these people' shows the even back then empty existence of what appears to be a perfect family. I have witnessed this myself, seeing a well off 'perfect family' but they were a total mess. Makes you really wonder who is normal and that lifestyle where success is involved will see at least one of those members always looking for more causing the rift. Jim Carrey said 'I wish everyone could be rich and famous and see that its not the answer'. I guess with the way social media is that we as a society have definitely not learned this. I would love to sit with Chris and discuss this movie for hours! Great review!
This is one of those movies I've watched and LOVED, but have yet to rewatch. I think it's time for me to revisit the whole "Robin's dark trilogy" - Death to Smoochy, Insomnia, and One Hour Photo. Followed by Aladdin and Mrs Doubtfire to bring back the laughter. RIP Robin - you were one of, no scratch that, you were THE best!
I'm glad you took the time to review/discuss this movie. I have never met someone else who either saw it or really desired to chat about it. 💜
I watched this movie in 2008 and loved it. I’m with you on this, Chris. Why this isn’t in more people’s collections blows my mind.