Expose yourself to ‘one hour photo’

All of us probably know someone like the film’s central figure, Sy

Parrish, as played adeptly by Robin Williams in “One Hour Photo.”

Parrish is a loner and enigma who seems to have no social connections

to anyone save the relationships he creates in his own mind. He is

the type of person that exists in every neighborhood; the type of

person whom some might never notice. Others may observe something in

his behavior that strikes them as a little off kilter and therefore,

choose to avoid him.

The Yorkin family (an intentional play on words, your kin) are an

upper middle class family comprised of Nina (Connie Nielsen), Will

(Michael Vartan) and Jake (Dylan Smith). They always have their film

developed at “Sav-Mart” by Parrish, and through the years of

developing and keeping copies of the Yorkin family’s photos, Parrish

imagines he has shared their life’s experiences. Parrish envisions

himself as a favorite uncle, when in actuality, the Yorkins hardly

know he exists.

Parrish brings himself into focus within their lives when he

begins to sense an emotional rift develop between Nina and her

husband, Will. Eriq La Salle uses a soft touch as a police detective

who attempts to make sense of Parrish’s motives. Gary Cole aptly

portrays a stereotypically bland, two-dimensional Sav-Mart manager

who ends up firing Parrish when his behavior begins to effect

inventory and business.

Director/Screenwriter Mark Romanek succeeds in many ways. Sav-Mart

is portrayed as a sterile, innocuous, monochromatic business that

could have been shaped with a cookie cutter. Parrish’s home is

similarly mundane and drab. The reality is almost startling. Romanek

offsets these backdrops with Parrish, a character whose depth one

does not fully appreciate until the end of the film. This is not a

traditional crime drama or action film. It will probably bore and

perhaps confuse those who want to see graphic violence and big

explosions. There are some shocking visuals, harsh language and

occasional, brief nudity. It will probably be best appreciated by

those who enjoy the study of character and methodology.

Williams’ performance is carefully considered. The manic humor we

normally equate with Williams translates into Parrish’s eerie,

lonesome charm. It is obvious that the darker, yet restrained

moments, were a collaboration between the actor and the director

This film is not simply the tale of a misunderstood, lonely man.

Social commentary overflows including observations that we are a vain

society and that our representations of ourselves to others are

hollow. Even when confronted with truth, we opt to hide it beneath a

thick veneer of denial. “One Hour Photo” was originally only playing

at two theaters in Los Angeles, but now enjoys a wider release.

Expose yourself to “One Hour Photo”, and regale in a

thought-provoking, character showcase. You may come away from the

film electing to invest in a digital camera.

* RAY BUFFER, 32, is a professional singer, actor and voice-over

artist.