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	Proof
	John Madden Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis, Jake Gyllenhaal 2005		Although it's probably too cerebral for anyone seeking pure escapism at the cinema, "Proof" is a thoughtfully written, meticulously acted psychological drama that raises questions about the relationship between genius and madness while it depicts the stresses and rewards of academic life and the fragile, often strained nature of family bonds. The film's pedigree is impeccable; it reunites director John Madden with his leading lady from "Shakespeare in Love," Gwyneth Paltrow, and it features consummate co-stars in Anthony Hopkins ("Silence of the Lambs"), Jake Gyllenhaal ("Donnie Darko") and Hope Davis ("American Splendor"). As for the script, author David Auburn and filmmaker Rebecca Miller adapted the former's Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play about a gifted but mentally-ill mathematics professor (Hopkins), and his emotionally damaged daughter/caretaker Catherine (Paltrow) who fears certain traits she may have inherited from her father. Saying he seeks a breakthrough in math that might serve as the professor's legacy, an unassuming student (Gyllenhaal) asks to root through the old man's notebooks; the intrigued Catherine gives her permission. The ensuing arrival of Catherine's self-centered sister (Davis) leads to revelations and conundrums that will unsettle all of the parties. "Proof" may have been more potent on stage. It has its dry moments, yet its concerns and themes aren't lost in translation to the screen. Of the four principal performers, Paltrow is most impressive in the role of the complex, mercurial Catherine, whose insecurities and melancholy are as much a part of her personality as her fierce intellect and her compassion.


	Sunday, November 17, 2024





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