Review of Proof (2005) by Kenr — 03 Jul 2023

Proof – Top Grade.

As motion picture studies of mental illness go, Proof would have to be regarded as one of the better attempts. The performances are on target with Paltrow and Hopkins pulling out all stops, bringing their father-daughter character’s personal dilemmas sharply into believable focus. John Madden’s (Mrs Brown ’97) assured direction keeps the details and pace in perfect harmony - while milking the nuances of the excellent screenplay (co-written by David Auburn from his Pulitzer Prize-winning play to full potential, at no time does this ever feel stagey. Proof is as entertaining as it is an intelligent observation of characters on the edge of understood normality - struggling to maintain their grip on reality and maintaining a sense of worth within the realm of society, and in this case, the world of mathematics. Production values are superior, featuring cinematography by Award nominated DOP Alwin H. Küchler - while Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck won the Georges Delerue Award for his fine score. Superior entertainment. Note: An in-context, sex scene makes it more recommended for a mature audience.