One Hour Photo is well-developed

After seeing One Hour Photo, audiences may never want to have their pictures developed again. Robin Williams plays photo technician Sy Parrish, who is an admirer of the seemingly picture-perfect Yorkin family. Michael Vartan (also known as Agent Vaughn on ABC's new hit show Alias) is architect Will Yorkin. Connie Nielsen (as wife Nina) and Dylan Smith (son Jake) make up the rest of the Yorkin family. Sy lives alone and has nothing of importance in his life except for his job at the Sav-mart. For years, the Yorkins have been getting their photos developed by Sy, and after time Sy becomes rather fond of the Yorkins. He often imagines himself in their lives or goes out of his way to run into them around town. But as his fondness for the Yorkins develops into obsession, Sy becomes creepier. At the same time, his fascination with the family begins to break away the layers of artificial happiness and reveal the truth about the Yorkins. As Sy finds out, even the Yorkins are not perfect. But Sy doesn't want "his" family to have flaws, and his obsession over the seemingly perfect family reaches to the heart-pumping climax of the movie. Along the way, Sy makes several interesting observations about people and why they take pictures. They take pictures of happy memories and never of what they want to forget. From pictures, one would guess that everyone led happy, carefree lives. The movie points out that no one's life is always happy, and that people have secrets. Director Mark Romanek does an excellent job developing the character of Sy. He seems insignificant compared to everyone else in the movie, especially by way of his clothing. He always seems to fade into the background, whether he is in the Sav-mart, his apartment or car. The make-up artists also deserve mention for really capturing the essence of a troubled middle-aged man. The pale complexion, cropped blond hair and large "old-man" glasses really contribute to the overwhelming success of Williams' intricate portrayal. Williams brings a fresh and layered performance to the character of Sy. His portrayal of the lonely photo-tech is riddled with nuances. From his blank stares that reveal no emotion - even though the audience knows that behind the facade he is tormented by the world around him - to his sincere but abnormal emotional attachment to the Yorkins, Williams delivers the performance of his career. One Hour Photo is showing at Downtown West. Rating: A - Luke Renfro contributed to this story.