Auto Focus, a film that delves into the complex and often turbulent life of TV star Bob Crane, is a cinematic journey that is both intriguing and unsettling. The movie’s portrayal of Crane’s descent from a beloved television personality into a world of sexual addiction and eventual murder is handled with a deft mix of sensitivity and bluntness, a balance that director Paul Schrader navigates skillfully.
Greg Kinnear’s performance as Bob Crane is a standout, capturing the charisma and charm that made Crane a TV star, while also unflinchingly depicting his darker, more destructive tendencies. The transformation Kinnear undergoes throughout the film is both convincing and deeply disturbing. The supporting cast, including Willem Dafoe as John Carpenter (no relation to the great film Director with the same name), Crane’s friend and eventual suspect in his murder, adds depth to the narrative, providing a glimpse into the complex relationships that surrounded Crane’s life.
The film’s direction is both stylish and purposeful, with Schrader using a variety of techniques to bring the 60s and 70s to life. The use of period-appropriate sets, costumes, and music immerses the viewer in the era, while the cinematography expertly captures the dual nature of Crane’s life – the bright, public persona and the dark, private obsessions.
However, Auto Focus is not without its flaws. At times, the film seems to struggle with its own narrative, occasionally losing focus in its attempt to cover the many facets of Crane’s life and death. Additionally, the film’s exploration of Crane’s sexual addiction, while bold and unflinching, sometimes feels sensationalized, detracting from the more nuanced aspects of his character. Finally, the actors who play Crane’s costars from Hogan’s Heroes are good enough, but they are so distractingly different than the originals that it takes you out of the movie when they appear.
In conclusion, Auto Focus is a compelling, if flawed, exploration of the life and tragic downfall of Bob Crane. It offers a nuanced look at the destructive power of addiction and the dual nature of celebrity, anchored by great performances by the two leads. For those interested in character-driven dramas and the darker side of fame, Auto Focus is a film worth watching.