Director: Mark Romanek
Writer: Mark Romanek (Screenplay)
Starring: Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, Dylan Smith, Erin Daniels, Paul Hansen Kim, Lee Garlington, Gary Cole, Eriq La Salle, Clark Gregg
Plot: Seymour ‘Sy’ Parrish (Williams) is a lonely photograph developer with over twenty years’ experience; he is now sat in an interrogation room being asked questions by Detective James Van Der Zee (La Salle). Seymour explains how he takes great pride in his work, but his pride taken him to obsession level with one such family. The Yorkin’s Nina (Nielsen), Will (Vartan) and son Jakob (Smith) a normal family, Seymour has created a fantasy where he is actually part of the family, but when Seymour starts seeing something wrong with the family he takes drastic action to save the family.
Verdict: Creepy Thriller
Story: Looking into the mind of someone who takes great pride in their work but goes too far when taken away from that work. The story is rather simple to follow as we see an innocent man just trying to show a family the truth about one’s wrong ways. We get to see how an obsession looks innocent but turns out to be questionable for those involved. We also get to see how someone’s mind can easily make up the fantasy rather than face the truth. What is bought up tension wise very well will not disappoint by the end, as what Seymour does is not unimaginable but in fact achievable. (8/10)
Actor Reviews
Robin Williams: Seymour the lonely developer who has an unhealthy obsession with the family so much so that he believes he is part of the family, he loves his job and takes great pride in making sure everyone’s memories are developed to the highest level. Stunning performance from Williams, who is unrecognisable in the role. (10/10)
Connie Nielsen: Nina the wife of the family that Seymour believes he is good friends with and most of his action are to show her the truth. Good simple wife and mother role never needing to be anything more. (8/10)
Michael Vartan: Will the husband who Seymour doesn’t know as well but tries to build a friendship with so he could be part of the family, fills the role of the villain as such. Good performance but just needed to be a cheating husband without being anything else. (7/10)
Dylan Smith: Jakob the son of the family that call Seymour Uncle Sy, filled with innocence that shows compassion for Seymour. Good performance from the young actor. (7/10)
Director Review: Mark Romanek – Great direction to create the atmosphere to keep the story creepy but not twisted. (8/10)
Drama: The interaction between the lonely Seymour show that he has created a world of his own without even knowing it. (9/10)
Thriller: You just don’t know how far he will go once he finally snaps. (10/10)
Settings: Each setting adds to Seymour’s loneliness. (8/10)
Special Effects: Unused apart from one dream sequence. (8/10)
Suggestion: This is one to be watching, it will shock with how simple people can be so obsessive without be a threat. (Watch)
Best Part: Williams.
Worst Part: The Boss
Scariest Scene: The first dream sequence.
Believability: The truth is this could be true. (6/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No, but Williams performance could easily have got a nod.
Box Office: $52,223,306
Budget: $12 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes
Tagline: He knows where you live!
Trivia: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
Overall: Stunning Performance for Brilliant Thriller
Rating 
