Auto Focus

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Auto Focus ★★★ 2002 (R)

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. 104m/C VHS, DVD . US Greg Kinnear, Willem Dafoe, Rita Wilson, Maria Bello, Ron Leibman, Kurt Fuller, Ed Begley Jr., Michael E. Rodgers, Michael McKean, Bruce Solomon, Christopher Neiman, Lyle Kanouse; D: Paul Schrader; W: Michael Gerbosi; C: Fred Murphy; M: Angelo Badalamenti.

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