Watch Auto Focus
- R
- 2002
- 1 hr 45 min
-
6.6 (15,067)
Auto Focus is a 2002 film directed by Paul Schrader and starring Greg Kinnear, Willem Dafoe, and Maria Bello. Based on a true story, the film tells the story of Bob Crane, a popular television actor, and his descent into obsession and addiction. The film opens with Crane (Kinnear) in the 1960s, starring in the hit TV show "Hogan's Heroes." His charming persona and charismatic personality make him a favorite amongst his cast and crew, but it's his love for technology that becomes his downfall. Crane's obsession with cameras and recording equipment eventually leads him to his co-star, John Carpenter (Dafoe), a man who is equally fascinated with the possibilities of the new technology. The two men develop a close friendship and bond over their shared interests.
As Crane's career begins to decline, his personal life takes a turn for the worse. He becomes obsessed with sexual escapades, often using his newfound fame and popularity to lure women into his bed. As his addiction to sex grows, so does his addiction to recording his sexual encounters. He films his escapades with Carpenter, and the two men become increasingly embroiled in their own private world.
Despite his addiction, Crane continues to have public success, but it's not enough to satisfy him. His obsession with sex and technology begins to take a toll on his relationships, both personal and professional. His wife (Bello) becomes increasingly frustrated with his behavior and eventually leaves him, while his career suffers from his lack of focus and dedication.
As the film progresses, the relationship between Crane and Carpenter becomes more complex. Their shared love of technology becomes intertwined with their obsession with sex, and the two men begin to spiral out of control. The consequences of their actions become increasingly dire, leading to a tragic and shocking conclusion.
Auto Focus is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the dangers of addiction and obsession. Kinnear delivers a powerful performance as Crane, capturing the complexity of his character and the darkness of his addiction. Dafoe is equally impressive as Carpenter, portraying a man who is both charismatically seductive and deeply troubled.
Director Paul Schrader, best known for his work on Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, creates a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere that captures the suffocating nature of the characters' obsession. The film is visually stunning, using a mix of period footage and reenactments to bring the story to life.
Ultimately, Auto Focus is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and the consequences of indulging in addiction. It's a gripping and emotional film that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.
Auto Focus is a 2002 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 66.