Review of Proof of Life (2000) by Adam W — 16 Jan 2010
This is a massively underrated film. Coming out when Crowe was flavour of the month didn't help as a bit too much attention was drawn to potential onset shenanigans between he and Ryan. That and the fact that is was mis-marketed as an action/romance movie - which completely misses the point.
The strengths of this film are in its restraint. Its to Taylor Hackfords credit that he managed to produce a film that wasn't content with simply ticking of genre cliches.
There's genuine tension and frustration in the situation Meg Ryan finds herself in after her husband (David Morse - excellent) is kidnapped and promptly abandoned by his wealthy employers.
Once Crowe is in it for the long haul we are shown glimpses of a relationship growing between he and Ryan - the look on David Caruso's face as he silently aknowledges them drinking from the same glass is enough. Its here were people seemed to turn on the film: the romance was deemed stale and unconvincing. I disagree - its not a romance, its two people in a difficult situation trying not to conceed to their attraction toward each other.
The film has many small moments of genuine interaction: Crowe having a brief farewell with his buttoned-up son; Crowe, Caruso and Alan Armstrong reuniting for a drink in a bar; Ryan and Pamela Reed sharing a very realistic goodbye. All help to create a surprisingly convincing portayal of an extreme situation.
Similarly, the film took criticism for not delivering on the action. But this is more than just a Friday night actioner. Hackford really gets us involved in the mechanics of hostage negotioation and saves his action beats for short bursts and only when they serve the story.
Having said that, he does go for it in a rather impressive climactic rescue that is remarkabley similar to that of Rambo (2009), minus the obscenely massive artillary.
As the film closes on bitter-sweet farewell between Crow & Ryan, set to the maudlin tones of Van Morrison, everything about it leaves me satisfied.
This review of Proof of Life (2000) was written by Adam W on 16 Jan 2010.
Proof of Life has generally received mixed reviews.
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