Auto Focus

Auto Focus is a gripping biographical drama film from 2002 directed by Paul Schrader and stars Greg Kinnear, Willem Dafoe, and Maria Bello. The film digs into the complicated and controversial life of American actor Bob Crane, whose career and personal life spiraled into chaos from sex addiction.

Greg Kinnear puts on a stellar performance as Bob Crane, a popular TV actor known for his role as Colonel Hogan on the sitcom Hogan's Heroes in the 1960s and 70s. Kinnear, noted for his often-likable personas, brought a delightful blend of charm and darkness to Crane's character, crafting a sympathetic yet conflicted image of a man unable to manage his obsessions.

The film opens with Crane as a clean-cut, married, and practicing Catholic working as a radio DJ in Los Angeles, eager to break into acting. His charm, good looks, and talent quickly land him the lead on Hogan's Heroes, skyrocketing him to fame. However, alongside the professional growth, Crane begins exploring a darker path that would have serious implications for his life and career.

Willem Dafoe stars as John Carpenter, a video technician and Crane's friend who introduced him to the world of underground pornography and the lure of sexual promiscuity in the burgeoning era of home video technology. Dafoe brings a darkly compelling edge to Carpenter's character, tracking Crane's descent into the abyss of addiction while highlighting the era's relationship with burgeoning technology.

Maria Bello plays Patricia Crane, Bob's first wife, convincingly illustrating Patricia's growing disillusion with her husband as his dark obsessions start coming to the fore. Bello commends herself well in the role, portraying Patricia's confusion, hurt, and resilience in the face of her husband's changing character.

Rounding out the cast are Rita Wilson as Anne Crane, Bob's second wife, and Ron Leibman as Crane's manager Lenny, both of whom provide strong support as characters swept into Crane's spiral.

Director Paul Schrader skillfully captures the period vibe, utilizing vintage stylistic elements and faithfully documenting the shift from the swinging 60s to the gloomy 70s. The film immaculately portrays both Hollywood's glittery surface and its seedy underbelly, giving viewers fascinating yet disturbing insight into the industry's dual nature.

Auto Focus is more than just a biography, it's an exploration of addiction and its consequences on an individual's life. The film dwells on the objectification and exploitation that spirals from an unchecked attraction, the ramifications on personal and professional relationships, and the toll it takes on character. It does not shy away from the unsettling aspects of Crane's story but also manages to hold the viewer's sympathy for his ultimate tragedy.

While the film does contain explicit sexual themes and scenes, it is not meant for titillation. Instead, it uses these moments to communicate the deep-rooted nature of Crane's addiction and the extent to which it overpowered calmer, moral judgments. Schrader handles these scenes with a carefully calibrated blend of frankness and sensitivity.

The movie also considers questions about the nature of fame, the allure of hedonism amidst celebrity culture, and the price of unbridled desires when lived out under the glare of public scrutiny. Overarching all of this, though, is a poignant and devastating depiction of self-destruction, unfolded meticulously through Kinnear’s award-worthy performance.

The cinematographic palette of Auto Focus progresses from vibrant, warm hues to dark, underlit tones paralleling the tonality of Crane's journey. The production design, costuming, and background score all contribute towards creating an authentic replication of the era, adding an extra layer of depth and reality to the narrative.

In conclusion, Auto Focus is a haunting journey into the life of Bob Crane, offering a sharp commentary on fame-stoked decadence and addiction. Through its tableau of flawed characters and period-specific detailing, it brings to light a tragic story of self-destruction. With compelling performances from lead actors Greg Kinnear and Willem Dafoe, it's a must-watch for those interested in biographical films or those intrigued by the underbelly of Hollywood fame. Viewer discretion is advised due to explicit content and adult themes.