Auto Focus' purpose in life will be fulfilled should some young, budding filmmaker realize the potential hidden behind this mundane work.
Whatever made Crane an interesting and captivating person didn't make it into this weak and timid portrayal of his life. Bad casting and a worse script removed any chance of developing an interesting story.
I have enjoyed some of Greg Kinnear's work in the past, but his take on Crane left me wanting someone more substantial. When Kinnear tries to act easy-going, he just ends up being goofy. Kinnear just wasn't a good fit for the part.
The script, afraid to delve too deeply into controversial subjects, leaves the viewer with a mere surface view of Crane's psyche. We never see the inner drive that allowed Crane to pursue his interests in the face of family and Hollywood's conservatism. All that is left is little more than an embellished documentary.
There are several major inaccuracies in the movie. For one, the movie shows Crane living the ideal family life and then turning to porn. However, porn was an interest of his long before he got married. Those interested in more can visit Crane's web site (run by his son).
Some of you will watch the movie based on an interest in Crane's private life (like I did). However, I suggest you wait for the next big movie about Crane, and pass on this lame duck.
As for the title "Auto Focus": despite Crane's interest in cameras and photography, auto-focus cameras weren't available until several years after his death.
Whatever made Crane an interesting and captivating person didn't make it into this weak and timid portrayal of his life. Bad casting and a worse script removed any chance of developing an interesting story.
I have enjoyed some of Greg Kinnear's work in the past, but his take on Crane left me wanting someone more substantial. When Kinnear tries to act easy-going, he just ends up being goofy. Kinnear just wasn't a good fit for the part.
The script, afraid to delve too deeply into controversial subjects, leaves the viewer with a mere surface view of Crane's psyche. We never see the inner drive that allowed Crane to pursue his interests in the face of family and Hollywood's conservatism. All that is left is little more than an embellished documentary.
There are several major inaccuracies in the movie. For one, the movie shows Crane living the ideal family life and then turning to porn. However, porn was an interest of his long before he got married. Those interested in more can visit Crane's web site (run by his son).
Some of you will watch the movie based on an interest in Crane's private life (like I did). However, I suggest you wait for the next big movie about Crane, and pass on this lame duck.
As for the title "Auto Focus": despite Crane's interest in cameras and photography, auto-focus cameras weren't available until several years after his death.