Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: August 21, 2002
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 244 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
186
Mixed:
21
Negative:
37
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10
DeanomiteJul 12, 2020
This is a movie with a lot to say. About community, family, privacy and trust. I don't really see Robin Williams as the villain, I think it is interesting that we feel inclined to call him a villain when he is as much a part of the communityThis is a movie with a lot to say. About community, family, privacy and trust. I don't really see Robin Williams as the villain, I think it is interesting that we feel inclined to call him a villain when he is as much a part of the community as anyone, if not the family. I think it is interesting his character lives in a time that doesn't really exist anymore, like the video store person or librarian. Expand
40 of 40 users found this helpful400
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8
inaneswineNov 14, 2017
One Hour Photo not only has a lot of lessons to teach about depression, obsession and isolation, it also makes profound observations about photographs, meaning the memories we choose to cherish and the image we present of ourselves,One Hour Photo not only has a lot of lessons to teach about depression, obsession and isolation, it also makes profound observations about photographs, meaning the memories we choose to cherish and the image we present of ourselves, pre-empting the Facebook and Instagram generation.

As for the performances: in perhaps the most disquieting role he ever played, Williams makes every inch of your skin crawl in this, solid proof that he was as efficient in his tragic roles as he was in his comedic.
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23 of 25 users found this helpful232
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9
muzicman17Mar 18, 2012
Here we have a near-perfect thriller told in classic Hitchcoc fashion. The acting and storytelling is great, and Robin Williams does really come off as one of the creepiest roles I have seen him in. Even with his creepiness, we sympathizeHere we have a near-perfect thriller told in classic Hitchcoc fashion. The acting and storytelling is great, and Robin Williams does really come off as one of the creepiest roles I have seen him in. Even with his creepiness, we sympathize with him and want him to succeed - at least to some extent. The story and pacing of this film both are great, and it really is a film Alfred Hitchcoc would produce if he were still alive today. I really enjoyed this movie from start to finish. The chemistry between the characters and the many twists in the story make this a wonderful little gem well worth your time to watch. Expand
11 of 11 users found this helpful110
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10
Spar154May 9, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alternate versions

An early cut of the film had several differences than the theatrical version.

The opening Fox Searchlight logo briefly becomes a negative image as it fades out. This is obviously a reference to picture negatives.

An alternate prologue before the main titles featured a narration by Williams on the red eye effect in human's and animals, while a photo of a family with red eyes, footage of animals with this effect and video of what's happening in the eye when this happens.

There was also a scene near the end where a police detective reviews the pictures Sy took of Will & Maya at the hotel. In the theatrical version these photos were never shown and it was left in question whether they were actually taken.

The argument between Sy and the photo machine repair guy was extended.
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9 of 9 users found this helpful90
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10
Carouse97May 14, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Robin gives a fascinating 360 degree turn performance in this thriller about a lonely photo developer who works at a one hour photo lab and is obsessed with a family who are regular customers at the store. His performance is among his best work and he imbued as much depth into the character as possible. One of the best movies of 2002. Expand
9 of 9 users found this helpful90
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9
oustApr 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Character error

Even though Detective Van Der Zee is desperately trying to reach Will Yorkin's room in the hotel and no one answers, he doesn't send anyone up from the hotel. An experienced Detective certainly would have done this, especially since he didn't know there was no real danger at the moment.
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8 of 8 users found this helpful80
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9
DiameterApr 28, 2021
After the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Robin Williams overheard viewers say that they forgot it was Williams in the lead role 15 minutes into the film. An observation that made Williams proud.
8 of 8 users found this helpful80
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9
DefameApr 30, 2021
In the first showing of the "photo wall", there are 854 photos. 29 high by 31 across minus three rows of 10, 14 and 21. At a later date the wall has 862 photos, same grid minus three rows of 2, 14 and 21.
8 of 8 users found this helpful80
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9
Exigent93Jun 6, 2021
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7 of 7 users found this helpful70
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9
Pluto744Jun 22, 2021
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7 of 7 users found this helpful70
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10
Aversion68May 3, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Miscellaneous Sy's mugshot photos are taken with a digital camera and processed on a computer. Law enforcement agencies never have, and probably never will, develop crime photos digitally. Law enforcement agencies and archives use film over digital because it doesn't degrade as rapidly as digital media, it is much more difficult to edit/manipulate and it comes out much clearer than a digital image ever has. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
Xenophobe114Jun 26, 2021
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2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
Bogyophobic34Sep 10, 2021
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
BaskApr 23, 2021
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13 of 14 users found this helpful131
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10
Maxilla328May 14, 2021
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12 of 14 users found this helpful122
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8
Depose570May 16, 2021
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5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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10
ProlificApr 25, 2021
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13 of 16 users found this helpful133
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10
Embalmer98Jun 8, 2021
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8 of 13 users found this helpful85
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7
ydnar4Nov 21, 2014
I was sort of expecting this film to generate a cult following after Robin Williams death. He didn't seem to receive much attention for this role but I see it as one of his best. Its weird to see Williams in the villain role but it doesn'tI was sort of expecting this film to generate a cult following after Robin Williams death. He didn't seem to receive much attention for this role but I see it as one of his best. Its weird to see Williams in the villain role but it doesn't take long for you to notice how well he portrays Sy the Photo Guy. One Hour Photo kept me guessing until the end. Expand
4 of 9 users found this helpful45
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7
SpangleJan 8, 2016
A creepy and slow-building chiller, One Hour Photo is unnerving and hard to watch at times due to how creepy its main character is. Brilliantly, portrayed by Robin Williams, this film perfectly captures the creepy outsider who starts to tryA creepy and slow-building chiller, One Hour Photo is unnerving and hard to watch at times due to how creepy its main character is. Brilliantly, portrayed by Robin Williams, this film perfectly captures the creepy outsider who starts to try and meddle his way into a family he has observed for a long time, thanks to the them having him develop all of their pictures. As he gets closer and closer, the tension builds and builds and this one truly takes some weird and creepy turns that I did not expect, but all the same, it winds up being a very compelling psychological thriller that really gets you going and serves as a great character study thanks to the subtle, yet brilliant performance from Williams. Well directed, well shot, and well written, One Hour Photo is not a great film, but it is certainly one that will hook you in and creep you out, which is all you can really ask for. Expand
7 of 20 users found this helpful713
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7
Compi24May 22, 2015
A true testament to the cinematic versatility of Robin Williams, "One Hour Photo" is a subtle, contained, sick-to-your stomach thriller tinged with Mark Romanek's signature aesthetic flair.
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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7
Cotts1988Apr 29, 2011
A chilling atmosphere and a great performance by Robin Williams, truly demonstrating what a good actor he is (if you need further proof just watch Insomnia). One Hour Photo is a gripping and intense portrayal of loneliness and its potentialA chilling atmosphere and a great performance by Robin Williams, truly demonstrating what a good actor he is (if you need further proof just watch Insomnia). One Hour Photo is a gripping and intense portrayal of loneliness and its potential effects. The film is let down by a slightly poor ending, yet this does not detract too much from the experience. Expand
7 of 25 users found this helpful718
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7
FilipeNetoJul 8, 2018
In this film Robin Williams gave life to Sy, an employee of a big store that works in the department of revelation of photographs. He is an apparently competent and good worker at his job. But the truth is that he hides a manic fascinationIn this film Robin Williams gave life to Sy, an employee of a big store that works in the department of revelation of photographs. He is an apparently competent and good worker at his job. But the truth is that he hides a manic fascination for a family he usually attend, the Yorkin's. But when he realizes that the unity and joy of that family is in danger of disappearing, he decides to act and protect the family.

The film is not easy to digest. To begin with, the rhythm of the movie is purposefully slow, in order to construct the characters and plot in a more appropriate and perceptible way. Then you have the problem of the main character being dysfunctional and hard to like. Initially he acts like a maniac, with an obsession with that family, to which he seems to wish to belong. We do not know if it is envy, if it is worship, if it is a mania. Even so, there is something rational about how he behaves, as we have seen in the explanations he gives to the police in the end. Another problem with this film, especially for the more commercial audience, is the intellectual touches the film takes on regularly, in monologues or in discreet detail that many people may find boring or expendable. I confess, I enjoyed feeling it.

Little can be said about Williams' performance. He is brilliant. I never thought to see this actor, so attached to comedy and humorous characters, to give life to a character so dense and complex, with touches of villain, stalker and avenger associated with the sweetness of a lonely, needy and unhappy man. The remaining cast was also fine, but does not stand out and leaves room for Williams to shine as he deserves.

Technically, this is a competent but discreet film. Good cinematography, good light and color, good camera angles, and a discreet yet capable soundtrack. I would highlight the monologues, where the film shows some art.
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1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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2
imthenoobAug 7, 2019
A solid performance by Williams doesn't stop this film from being mediocre. There wasn't much dialogue, Some parts of the film felt needless or out of place and I thought that they made the film too much about Williams' character and notA solid performance by Williams doesn't stop this film from being mediocre. There wasn't much dialogue, Some parts of the film felt needless or out of place and I thought that they made the film too much about Williams' character and not enough about the family he is stalking.

Another big reason why it's so mediocre is because of studio involvement. Originally the film was supposed to be longer and featured a lot more dialogue but the studio stepped in to curb that idea in hopes of being more of a commercial success. Would that have made the film a masterpiece? Probably not but it more than likely would have made for a better film.
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1 of 44 users found this helpful143
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6
rotkuMar 18, 2012
A superb performance by Robin Williams raises this movie above the usual run of the mill thrillers. Although he is disturbed you cannot help but feel a certain sorrow for his character and this is what makes the movie.as the rest of it isA superb performance by Robin Williams raises this movie above the usual run of the mill thrillers. Although he is disturbed you cannot help but feel a certain sorrow for his character and this is what makes the movie.as the rest of it is fairly obvious stock. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
SpidyOct 12, 2012
Disturbing movie. Good acting. Creepiest role I ever seen from Robin Williams. Nice storytelling. You must watch it if you like thriller movies. I like it. 7/10
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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6
Meth-dudeMar 18, 2018
While the story was very interesting and the acting was surprisingly good, the movie is still pretty slow and the ending was a little bit too over the top. Watch it if you're interested in watching Robin Williams in a different kind of role.
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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9
AlyD.Aug 1, 2006
I just wanted to comment on what someone said. It is very hard to see Robin Williams as a villain. It makes you uncomfortable but that shows how well Williams plays the part. He plays the villain very well. If it didn't make us a little I just wanted to comment on what someone said. It is very hard to see Robin Williams as a villain. It makes you uncomfortable but that shows how well Williams plays the part. He plays the villain very well. If it didn't make us a little uncomfortable then there is a problem. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
Momentum78Mar 10, 2022
One of Robin's best performances, a diverse, fascinating experience. Rest in peace Robin Williams, he was an astounding talent who will never be forgotten by his fans.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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