Sy Parrish (Robin Williams, pictured) runs a photo-developing booth in the mall of a small town. He takes his job seriously, re-developing pictures if the colours aren't just right, giving his best customers upgrades and gifts and is generally regarded as an OK guy. One of his regular clients is Will Yorkin (Michael Vartan), who's been bringing in films of him, his wife (Connie Nielsen) and son Jakob (Dylan Smith) for years. Gradually Sy - single and living alone - has become obsessed with them as the perfect family, but when he finds that not only is Will having an affair but his own job is under threat, he must take action...
Williams has spent years shedding his funny-man image as a stand-up comedian and the alien Mork. His most interesting work comes from his straight roles in films, particularly as a psychologically-damaged killer, as he showed both in this film and Insomnia. The latter gained more attention, but this is an equally stunning performance, with Williams almost unrecognisable as the middle-aged, downtrodden Sy, slipping into obsessive madness. While the surrounding cast are all excellent, this film belongs to Williams.
One Hour Photo is a Film programme that first aired in 2002 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
