Is Auto Focus Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Auto Focus is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Auto Focus Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2002, Auto Focus emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A successful TV star during the 1960s, former "Hogan's Heroes" actor Bob Crane projects a wholesome family-man image, but this front masks his persona as a sex addict who records and photographs his many encounters with women, often with the help of his seedy friend, John Henry Carpenter. Unlike standard genre fare, Auto Focus attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Auto Focus features a noteworthy lineup led by Greg Kinnear . Supported by the likes of Willem Dafoe and Rita Wilson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Auto Focus (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Auto Focus Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Auto Focus is a Crime, Drama film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Auto Focus Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Auto Focus concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Auto Focus reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Auto Focus Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Auto Focus incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Auto Focus adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Auto Focus?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Auto Focus Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Auto Focus Budget
The estimated production budget for Auto Focus is $7.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Auto Focus
- Greg Kinnear – Bob Crane
- Willem Dafoe – John Carpenter
- Rita Wilson – Anne Crane
- Maria Bello – Patricia Olson / Patrica Crane
- Ron Leibman – Lenny
Top Highlights
Greg KinnearBob Crane
Willem DafoeJohn Carpenter
Rita WilsonAnne Crane
Maria BelloPatricia Olson / Patrica Crane
Ron LeibmanLenny
Kurt FullerWerner Klemperer
Ed Begley Jr.Mel Rosen
Michael E. RodgersRichard Dawson
Michael McKeanVideo Executive
Christopher NeimanRobert Clary
Where to Watch Auto Focus Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Auto Focus is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Auto Focus stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2002 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auto Focus movie hit or flop?
Auto Focus has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Auto Focus worth watching?
Auto Focus is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Auto Focus online?
Auto Focus may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Auto Focus Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Auto Focus
**_Bob Crane's growing sexual addiction and murder_** Crane (Greg Kinnear) befriends a video expert named John Carpenter (Willem Dafoe) around the time he gets the gig for Hogan's Heroes. He is soon seduced by the temptations of being a big star; "free sex" is the sin du jour of the era and Crane can't resist the scores of beautiful women who want him. Unlike Crane, Carpenter isn't a star and isn't handsome, but he's able to continually pick up women simply due to his friendship with Bob. During and, especially, after his popular TV show, Crane experiences a downward spiral as he becomes entangled in the web of loose sex. By June, 1978, he was dead at 49. "Auto Focus" (2002) was based on Robert Graysmith's book "The Murder of Bob Crane: Who Killed the Star of Hogan's Heroes?," which – believe it or not – depicts Crane's plunge into sexual immorality even worse than seen in the movie. Director Paul Schrader is a writer or director of quite a few critically acclaimed films, like "Taxi Driver" (writer), "The Mosquito Coast" (writer) and "Hardcore" (writer & director). Speaking of "Hardcore," that film also addresses the subject of sexual hedonism with focus on a fascinating father/daughter relationship that develops between a staunch Calvinist conservative (George C. Scott) and a young lost prostitute (Season Hubley). "Auto Focus" may not be quite as good but, if you can handle the sleazy aspects, it maintains your attention and the actors do a quality job. Rita Wilson and Maria Bello are on hand as Crane's wife and mistress/new-wife respectively. Meanwhile Michael E. Rodgers plays Bob's somewhat nemesis, Richard Dawson. The DVD features a documentary on Crane's death and the most obvious culprit, John Carpenter. It's an interesting case, to say the least. I shouldn't fail to add that I know someone who worked as a waitress at an A&W in my area during the mid-70s when Crane was forced to do traveling theater work to earn a living, as shown in the movie. She waited on him & another guy and Bob was his typically amiable self, just with a decidedly smart-alecky edge. I guess my friend didn't act starstruck enough because he didn't leave her a tip! It runs 1 hour, 45 minutes, and was shot in California and Arizona. GRADE: B
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
