Proof (2005)

Proof positive that math can be sexy?

Based on David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Proof is the “compelling story of an enigmatic young woman haunted by her father’s past and the shadow of her own future, exploring the links between genius and madness, the tender relationships between fathers and daughters and the nature of truth and family”. Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anthony Hopkins, and Hope Davis, Proof is a bit of a new take, on some very very old material.

I felt that the question of what constituted the fine line between genius and insanity was addressed very well in Proof. Without relying on attempts to represent what madness looks like or feels like using first person asides or flashy effects work, director John Madden allows the confusion and anguish of his characters, as channeled by his talented crew of actors, speak for itself. The audience is put in touch with how illnesses of this nature can affect not only the individual, but their loved ones and friends as well. The interesting twist to Proof, is the highlighting of how people suffering from mental illness can also be some of the most brilliant, productive members of society and contribute invaluable insights.

Paltrow was competent and believable as the daughter of a once famous mathematician who has had to give up her own pursuit of greatness in order to care for her ailing father (Hopkins). She seems to have gotten the distressed, but not in a ditzy horror movie way distressed, look down pat and appears to relish the opportunity to rant and rave. Hopkins however, and much to my disappointment, was more of a placeholder than a prime player. I am a fan of his in general, but Proof made me think of the actor as we were supposed to think of his character: a withdrawn, somewhat off-kilter shadow of his former self.

Gyllenhaal, as the eager beaver Ph.D. mentored by the father, is by far the most attractive math professor I have ever laid eyes on. Heck, my first year statistics prof bore an uncanny resemblance to a rabid koala. Gyllenhaal does well as Hal, who wants to delve into the 100+ notebooks left behind by Catherine’s father in the hopes of finding a glimmer of greatness to launch his own flagging academic career.

I loved the fact that the movie was surrounded by mathematics so complicated that it would burn the eyes of a commoner such as myself, but that it never felt like I was in over my head. It had been, much to my mathematician friend’s dismay, dumbed down for the non-mathematically inclined so that formulas and theories were only hinted at and highlighted, rather than being shoved at you in their complex glory. I do think, however, that the academic setting and proof talk was all a transparent, and not overly cleverly done framework for an unconvincing romantic storyline between Catherine and Hal. Not once did I buy the idea that Paltrow and Gyllenhaal were the least bit interested in each other and so the movie for me felt a little hollow; full of good performances and potentially powerful material, but lacking a uniting feature that would push Proof from a mere interesting, to invigorating.

In Brief: Enjoyed it for what it was worth, but for the longest time I couldn’t figure out if I really liked it or not. Came off feeling a little flat, despite decent acting and a proven plot. Good, but it could have been so much better.