Auto Focus Movie Review 2002

Paul Schrader examines the sordid life and death of "Hogan's Heroes" star Bob Crane (Kinnear). Kinnear's portrayal of Crane from the seemingly normal father and husband to the sexaholic who was found bludgeoned to death amongst his amateur pornography is startling. The trouble starts when he meets creepy pal (and possible murderer) Carpenter (Dafoe), who gets him drumming gigs in strip clubs. This easy access to women, along with his affable manner and Carpenter's array of video equipment lead to a torrent of carnal acts that the two obsessively commit to tape. Crane loses two wives (Wilson, Bello) and his wholesome image while remaining oblivious to the descent that his sex addiction is causing in his personal and professional life. The cast does a great job with difficult material, especially Kinnear and Ron Leibman as Crane's weary agent.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 104 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Biopics: Showbiz, Look Ma! I'm on TV!, Pornography, Period Piece: 1960s, Period Piece: 1970s, Marriage, Behind the Scenes, Sexcapades, Tale of the Tape

Screenplay

Michael Gerbosi

Cast

Greg Kinnear, Willem Dafoe, Rita Wilson, Maria Bello, Ron Leibman, Kurt Fuller, Ed Begley, Michael E. Rodgers, Michael McKean, Bruce Solomon, Christopher Neiman, Lyle Kanouse

Cinematography

Fred Murphy

Director

Paul Schrader

Music

Angelo Badalamenti

Other

Steve Aaron, G. Marq Roswell, Kristina Boden, Seth Reed, Julie Weiss, James Chinlund

Producer

Alicia Allain, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Todd Rosken, Pat Dollard, Propaganda Films, Good Machine, Sony Pictures Classics