Proof

A touching, funny yet somewhat frightening view into "trust"
'Proof' is a wonderful, intriguing movie that keeps you riveted to your seat every moment. It's not an action film or a serious melodrama or even a rollicking comedy. It's a fascinating, plot-driven story with one underlying theme: trust. Why would a blind man insist on taking photographs? Why would a woman continue to torment a man she insists she loves? And why would a friend betray someone who puts all his faith in him just to 'play blind'? (see the movie...you'll know what I mean). All the performances are wonderful, particularly Hugo Weaving as our temperamental photographer. He gives Martin such depth that while he is generally a miserable SOB, you come to care about him and want to protect him from the evils around--much like Andy, his young friend. Speaking of Andy, Russell Crowe is delightful. A bit of warning though: this ain't Maximus of "Gladiator". Crowe is an incredibly diverse actor, ranging from the likable guy-next-door ("Sum of...

A simple but powerful character study
The thing about a simply made movie with a well-delivered message is that it will outlast any present-day film that reflects the glamour, glitz and special effects that today's audience seems to crave. And "Proof" will continue to hold its own against any film to come. It is simply great acting by three talented actors. Weaving commands respect from the audience for blind Martin, rather than pity. His character demonstrates how the a youthful interpretation of an event can shape a person's entire outlook on life. Picot's character Celia plays the desperation of a woman seeking intimacy to the hilt. Andy, played by Crowe, is Martin's light on the path to truth. And for once, Crowe doesn't "out act" his peers, making this a great ensemble piece that will always be relevant, no matter what era of movie making we pass through.

"Proof" - a small, great film with a large, great legacy
I first discovered "Proof" a year ago on the Independent Film Channel, and thank God for it. The film is akin in quality to that great period of American cinema from "Midnight Cowboy" through "Ordinary People", featuring imperfect characters playing out their imperfect lives, hidden amongst the masses of the world and their misery only for us to see.

The plot is about a blind man without trust, a desperate woman without love, a young man without direction, and what happens when their three paths intersect. No one character is without blame, and each word and action is understood for better or for worse by the audience. It is a simple story ("Proof" being the term that serves as a benchmark by which trust is gained) wrung through the complexities of people and of life.

Two of the film's stars, Hugo Weaving of "Matrix" and "LoTR" fame and Russell Crowe of "Gladiator" and "LA Confidential" fame, have...

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