Most people buy sports cars in their old age.  Actors reinvent themselves.  A perfect example is Robin Williams.  The former comedian, who turned 50 in July, has done serious drama (Insomnia), after making a career out of comedic fluff (Good Morning Vietnam, Patch Adams).
 Williams' latest, One Hour Photo, is a thorough test of the actor's abilities.  Though the script, direction, and supporting actors are strong, this is the Robin Williams show.
 In the vein of such "lonely man" films as Taxi Driver, One Hour Photo tells the story of a guy who's, well, lonely.  Robin Williams stars as Seymour Parrish, a "lifer" at the one-hour photo lab in "SavMart."  Sy has worked there for 11 years, and the only friends he has are in his mind.  Over that time, Sy's deluded himself into thinking that he has a good relationship with the Yorkin family, since he's developed their photos for a while.
 But Sy's obsession with the Yorkins goes beyond developing their photos.  He regularly makes doubles of their photos to keep for himself, and memorized their address.
 Soon, however, the photos aren't enough.  He begins making overtures to them, including attending Jakob Yorkin's soccer practices, and joining Nina Yorkin (Connie Nielsen, Gladiator) for lunch.  But everything changes (for the worse) when Sy discovers a terrible secret. 
 Williams' performance in One Hour Photo is nothing short of astonishing. He shows just the right level of restraint, making it impossible not to like Parrish, despite his faults.  This is in stark contrast to Robert Deniro's character in Taxi Driver--one who was not only friendless, but thoroughly unlikeable.  If there were any doubts of Robin Williams' acting ability, they've now been put to rest.       
 Only time will tell whether the public will embrace Williams' performance as much as critics have.  One Hour Photo's "independent" status assures that it won't receive wide release, and Williams' performance in the atrocious Death to Smoochy makes two strikes against him.
 Hopefully, these factors won't prevent the academy from noticing Williams come Oscar time.  Williams' performance should earn him a nomination, if not an Oscar.  Moreover, One Hour Photo proves that Williams can be a great actor if he wants to.       

    3 1/2 Stars