Proven performers

Our rating:

In the interests of full disclosure, I have to say at the outset that David Auburn’s Proof is one of my favourite plays of recent years. Now when it comes to reviewing a film version, such preconceptions can be a hindrance. Sometimes, expectations are so high that the film can’t possibly live up to them. In this case though, the assured direction of John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) and terrific performances from the stellar cast make this a worthy addition to Proof’s already solid reputation.

Of course, making films from plays is sometimes fraught with danger. Plays tend to be heavy on dialogue and short on action. This is required by the confines of the stage, but on the broader palette of a film, can end up in a stodgy, if not downright boring, experience. Madden however doesn’t fall into that trap. Although his Proof retains virtually all the dialogue from the original intact, he manages to inject the necessary elements to raise this above being merely a “filmed play”.

I guess it’s inevitable that some comparisons will be drawn between this film and that other film about maths and madness, A Beautiful Mind. So far as I’m concerned, there’s simply no comparison between that moribund film and this intelligent effort. This is a far more complex and accomplished work.

The proof of the title is a mathematical proof; a formula that could potentially revolutionize the science. It’s found in the home of Catherine (Gwyneth Paltrow), who lived for years with her father Robert (Anthony Hopkins). Both were brilliant mathematicians, but Robert – a leader in the field before mental illness set in – is now dead. Catherine is having difficulty dealing with her father’s death; all the more so for the arrival of her rather domineering sister Claire (Hope Davis). She turns to one of her father’s students, Hal (Jake Gyllenhaal); and their relationship starts to become more serious. But when Catherine reveals the notebook containing the proof to Hal, and tells him she wrote it, he starts to doubt whether she’s telling the truth.

Those who are very familiar with the source material will notice that some changes. But before you cry “butchery”, it’s worth remembering that David Auburn himself co-wrote the screenplay (with Rebecca Miller). It’s seems to be a trait among American playwrights that they aren’t as “confined” in their thinking as those from other cultures, and adapt to the screen medium rather more easily – just look at David Mamet as an example. Here, the changes (mostly in the second act) work particularly well in heightening the tension towards the film’s emotional climax.

In the end though, for all of Auburn’s words and Madden’s directorial flashes, Proof comes down to performance; and in particular to the central performance of Gwyneth Paltrow as Catherine. As the woman at the centre of this drama about family, trust, madness and mathematics, she shines. She captures Catherine’s brilliance, her doubts, her sorrows and her joys with a subtlety and a depth that’s an object lesson for anyone interested in the acting craft.

In the main supporting roles, Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis and Jake Gyllenhaal all give the kinds of superior performances we’ve come to expect from them. Davis in particular is wonderful as Claire, even though her character isn’t particularly likeable.

After the disappointment of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Proof shows that John Madden still has much to offer as a director. It also demonstrates that Gwyneth Paltrow is still a force to be reckoned with as an actor. This is an exceptional translation from stage to screen, a real treat for those who like their movies thoughtful, intelligent and emotionally honest.

David Edwards

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Proof

Director: John Madden
Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hope Davis and Anthony Hopkins
Release: Nationally on March 16, 2006
Rated: M