One Hour Photo

Following Death to Smoochy and Insomnia, Robin Williams puts the cherry on top of an image-tampering trifecta of psychotic antagonist roles with his unrecognizable performance in this chiller about an obsessive, socially inept mega-mart photo lab employee who idealizes, then stalks, a customer's family. Williams' subtle insanity seems harmless enough--until the viewer sees his apartment, where the walls are literally lined with hundreds of prints he's copied from the photos of the Yorkins (mom Connie Nielsen, dad Michael Vartan, and young son Dylan Smith), at which point Williams' character takes on the quiet menace of a Norman Bates. Writer-director Mark Romanek keeps his cards close to his vest, providing few hints as to whether Williams is going to snap or slowly unwind, and even when he seems to turn dangerous, Williams remains sympathetic, inviting the audience inside his mind and his obsession with the Yorkins who symbolize everything for which he longs. An unusual psychological thriller that is uniquely gripping right up to its conclusion, this is recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by writer-director Mark Romanek and star Robin Williams, a 36-minute interview from The Charlie Rose Show with Romanek and Williams, a 27-minute Sundance Channel “Anatomy of a Scene” featurette, a 13-minute Cinemax making-of featurette, trailers and TV spots. Bottom line: a handsome extras package for a solid film.] (R. Blackwelder)[Blu-ray Review—May 21, 2013—Fox, 96 min., R, $19.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2002's One Hour Photo features a fine transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by director Mark Romanek and star Robin Williams, a segment from The Charlie Rose Show with Romanek and Williams (36 min.), the production featurettes “Location/Tech Scouting: Multi-Angle Vignettes” (32 min.) and “Sundance: Anatomy of a Scene” (28 min.), behind-the-scenes footage (26 min.), cast rehearsals (21 min.), storyboards (18 min.), a Cinemax featurette (14 min.), a “Poster Explorations” gallery, a brief “Main Title Test,” “Sy's Nightmare Elements” clips, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine Robin Williams drama makes a winning debut on Blu-ray.]