Film: "Proof" (2005)

[Bob Pr.]

"Proof" (2005) 100 min. PG-13 (language, a sex scene) Genres: Drama, mystery.
Stars: Gwynneth, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hope Davis.
Based on the Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award winning play, "Proof."
IMDb: 6.8 of 10 stars: Proof (2005) - IMDb
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% of critics rate it ripe Proof - Rotten Tomatoes
Roger Ebert rates it 4 of 4 stars: Proof :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews
Trailer: Proof Clip - IMDb

A world famous mathematician (Hopkins) at U of Chicago had sustained periods of lucidity
during his last years battling mental illness. One daughter, Kate (Paltrow), inherits his gift
for math and drops out of her university studies during her father's last 5 years to care for
him.

After his death, a startling proof solving a longstanding mathematical dilemma is found in
their home. Did he write it or did Kate? Hal (Gyllenhaal), the professor's assistant and junior
faculty member, is strongly attracted to Kate--but he says he isn't sure who did it. Flash-
backs in Kate's mind portray scenes with her father before his death. She accuses Hal of
trying to "steal" the proof to pass it off as his own. Claire (Davis), the other, older sister,
arrives from NYC for the funeral and to settle her father's estate. She decides that Kate
needs treatment and Claire's supervision in NYC.

We're puzzled until near the end--who wrote this amazing proof? Is Kate too seriously
mentally ill? Will Kate & Hal get together? Definitely a mystery.

All four principals do superb acting jobs, especially Hope Davis as the unlikeable sister and
Paltrow; Paltrow was nominated for a Golden Globe. FWIW, in Ebert's excellent review,
he correctly comments that no mathematical skills are needed to appreciate this film.

This is a quirky film that won't appeal to many. I was very leery of it because it deals
with mental illness and IMO Hollywood's treatment of this is often too unrealistic (e.g.,
"Black Swan," "American Beauty," others). But my ♥friend has Netflix and this was at
the top of her queue. I was pleasantly surprised.

My rating: 8 of 10 stars.

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