Robin Williams has done some incredibly fine work over the years, from downright silly (i.e., ’Mrs. Doubtfire’) to passionate and intense (i.e., ’Good Will Hunting’, ’Dead Poets Society’, ’Awakenings’). I compare his role as Sy in ’One Hour Photo’ to his role as Walter Finch in ’Insomnia’ - more evil, twisted, deranged, and psychotically brilliant than any character I’ve ever seen in a movie.
Sy works in a photo processing lab in a large discount chain store (kind of like WalMart). He has been fixated on a seemingly ’picture perfect’ family (Nina and Will Yorkin and their 9-year old son, Jake) for years. In fact, Sy’s lonely apartment is a shrine to the Yorkin family. We learn that Sy’s childhood was very bleak indeed, and we are sympathetic because we understand why he imagines being part of their family.
Sy finds out that Will Yorkin is cheating on Nina, and, in a chilling and nail-biting scene, confronts Will and the girlfriend in their hotel room. While I refuse to reveal the ending, I will let you know this: it is heartbreaking.
Some movie critics blasted this movie. Shame on them! Get together with your friends, and tell them NOT to take ’potty breaks’! Oh, one more thing ... I bought a digital camera after watching this movie!