Proof Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Proof Blu-ray Movie Review

Excellent performances shape a fine film.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman February 4, 2012

Am I crazy?

It proved tempting through the early moments of watching Proof to begin the review with a cheap series of puns, something along the lines of "Proof's proof of excellence lies in how well it either proves, disproves, or never truly proves authorship of the story's central proof, a proof that may not be provable either by the sane or the insane, a proof that provably exists in a composition book, but that is not a proof in the pudding." Uh, yeah. Proof deserves better than that; leave that sort of stuff for the wannabe movies. Proof is a big-league film, a brilliantly-assembled and realistically-performed Drama about the lives of academics and their uncertain paths towards destiny. It's the story of discovery, of the physical, emotional, and mathematical varieties. Proof uses complex mathematics to reflect the complexities of life. Characters never quite appear to be who they claim, in their actions, their ostensible innermost thoughts, or through the perceptions of others. Their lives -- and life in general, perhaps the film is saying -- are a jumbled mess of ideas, tries, and discarded notions, but tucked away is that one great truth that's the result of years of number-crunching, years of formulating, years of living. Ultimately, there is but one right or wrong answer, though it sometimes takes a lifetime's worth of practice and study to discern the truth, to find the proof, to settle old uncertainties and open new possibilities. Proof is the story of madness and clarity, of great minds and worn-down psyches, existing in a world where the only certain things are those which are absolutely provable by man, who is perhaps the most unprovable and mysterious of all things.

One jar of mayonnaise minus a bottle of ketchup equals...

Robert (Anthony Hopkins) is a brilliant but aging Chicago mathematician whose best years are behind him, but that's alright by him. His contributions to the world of mathematics are such that they will never becomes lost to time. He, however, is fading. He's been diagnosed with schizophrenia, nature affording him only brief spurts where he's in total control of his faculties and his mind again sharp. His daughter Catherine (Gwyneth Paltrow) plays the part of caretaker, herself something of a brilliant mathematician but who's taken to lounging and a disorganized life. When Robert dies, Catherine's life is rocked. Her sister Claire (Hope Davis) flies in from New York City to help with the funeral and, unknown to Catherine, manipulate her sister to return with her to care for what might be the onset of hereditary schizophrenia. Meanwhile, a young man named Hal (Jake Gyllenhaal), one of Robert's protégés, shows concern for Robert's unfinished works and for Catherine's well-being; he's had a crush on the professor's daughter for some time. When a composition book surfaces from the bowels of Robert's study that Hal believes to contain a mathematical proof that will rock the scholarly world and prove Robert's clarity of mind in his advanced years, Catherine takes credit for the work. Who wrote the proof? Will Catherine succumb to her sister's demands? Will she allow Hal closer into her private life?

One might assume that it takes a special touch to make a quality Drama revolving around the world of highly advanced Mathematics; it's certainly not an oft-used backdrop, and many filmmakers might shy away from centering a movie on a subject that, for many, is far out of reach of the average viewer. But Proof isn't about Mathematics. Certainly mathematic pursuits are critical to the plot, but the film uses them as a means of framing a greater human Drama that examines outward relationships and inward uncertainties. Catherine's complacency is shattered when her father dies; prior to, she would sleep late, allow the dishes to pile up in the sink. Now, she's forced to move on without him and, worse, to examine herself as a person and as a mathematician. She claims lucidity, but understands that her father's condition may very well befall her, if it has not already. She resists her sister's help and Hal's romance, but in a way seems to understand that she needs both. She claims authorship of the central mathematic proof, yet distances herself from it. It's the discovery of the proof that brings into question Catherine's innermost secrets, brings to the surface questions of who she is, what she's done, and where she's headed. The film brilliantly and seamlessly meshes together the real and the imagined, the true and the false, and everything in between in its straightforward yet unflinchingly complex examination of a human being lost in a world of brilliance around her and brilliance within her. Nothing about the movie comes easily; its structural complexities reflect those of its characters, but like the mathematical proof, those complexities reflect something so deeply held, so carefully pieced together, so layered on a lifetime's worth of understanding that perhaps its the appreciation for, rather than the absolute unraveling of, the truth that's most desirable.

As strong and intriguing as the themes -- inherited schizophrenia and the genius mind -- may be, it's the way the characters are drawn and the performances they are given that truly make the movie stand apart. The character dynamics are wonderful; there's a very real sense of kinship between Catherine and her father and Catherine and her sister. They're all authentically-drawn and their environments -- notably the house and Robert's study in particular -- prove very suiting to their lifestyles and relationships. Catherine's relationship with Hal plays with an air of genuine uncertainty as she progresses through various stages of the relationship both in her mind and through her physical actions, while Hal remains steadily interested, respectful, and loving even as Catherine appears to work out the relative pluses and minus, the safety or danger, of falling into any relationship, let alone with a man following in her father's footsteps. But it's the true familial chemistry that's evident between Robert and Catherine that's the film's best and most important. Hopkins is wonderful in his role, effortlessly playing a brilliant man who, despite dozens, if not hundreds, of composition books filled with his mathematical ideas, seems only to want to put his brilliance and schizophrenia behind him and instead live to only love his daughter, to see her succeed beyond even his own accomplishments. Paltrow turns in what is arguably the finest performance of her career, balancing that fine line between lucidity and insanity remarkably well. It's never quite certain exactly what's happening on the inside, and that she can play the part so steadily yet keep the core of the character so closed off makes for a remarkable performance, one of the more grossly unheralded of recent times.

Proof Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Proof may represent the best video transfer from Echo Bridge yet. The studio's 1080p Blu-ray release is largely satisfying with nary a blemish to be seen. There are a few random spots and a slight softness to select shots, but this is otherwise a top-grade presentation. Grain retention yields a quality film-like texture and helps accentuate fine details. Facial textures are fine, clothing textures naturally intricate, and leaves, grasses, concrete, and odds and ends around the house appear true and film-accurate. Colors are steady, whether in more dreary interiors, warmer locales, or in bright outdoor scenes. The palette is accurate, never dim and never unnaturally bright. Flesh tones and black levels appear balanced and true. This is a fine looking transfer that presents Proof in a natural, film-like state; hopefully future releases from Echo Bridge will follow suit.

Proof Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Proof might appear to be a talk-heavy Drama, and it is, yet the soundtrack still manages to offer something beyond straight dialogue and accentuating music. Echo Bridge's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack offers a balanced and clear experience. Though falling rain at the beginning seems to live primarily in the front speakers, there are many surround elements to be heard. Music has a wonderfully airy, clear, and light feel to it; it seems to hover through the soundstage to great effect. Live Rock music as heard in chapter five plays with good energy and clarity. Ambience is wonderfully handled and naturally placed; background echoing footsteps and slamming doors in the university scenes authentically recreate the ambience of a busy older building. City ambience is equally immersive and makes use of all speakers, yet it does play a little louder than one might expect, sounding a hair unnatural and canned rather than absolutely authentic. Dialogue is true, remaining in the center channel save for the funeral service where voices realistically reverberate through the cavernous church. This is a well-balanced and pleasing soundtrack that serves the movie very well.

Proof Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Proof contains no supplements.

Proof Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Proof is a beautiful film about the complex universal language of mathematics and the equally complex workings of the human mind. The film says much on human relationships, sanity, and family. It's beautifully staged, evenly executed, and brilliantly performed. It's one of the best amongst the somewhat under-the-radar pictures of the 2000s, and it's rather shocking that Paltrow didn't receive a Best Actress nomination for her work. Though it is again free of extras, this might be the best Blu-ray Echo Bridge has released. Considering the quality of the movie, the great transfer, the strong lossless soundtrack, and the low price, this release is a winner and comes with a high recommendation.