Product Description

Multi-layered and intensely original this is the widely-acclaimed story of a blind man whose deeply rooted mistrust of humanity prompts him to compulsively take photographs that document his world. The only problem is he's got to get somebody to describe his pictures to him. And when there's no one you can trust it's hard to find someone on whom you can rely.Running Time: 90 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY UPC: 794043694226

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22030 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 2004-11-02
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 86 minutes

Amazon.com
Proof, a brilliant allegory about trust, is at once mordantly funny, chilling, and touching. It keeps us off balance from the beginning, challenging our assumptions about everything from the art of filmmaking to the nature of human relationships. The tone is reminiscent of David Mamet and Harold Pinter, but Australian writer-director Jocelyn Moorhouse has a quirky outlook all her own. Hugo Weaving (later known as the villainous Agent Smith in The Matrix), plays Martin, a blind photographer who compulsively shoots photos as proof of the actuality of his existence. He relies on his spiteful housekeeper, Celia (Geneviève Picot), to tell him what's in his snapshots. But can he trust her to tell him the truth? Celia rearranges the furniture so Martin will trip over it. Why? Because she's in love with him. But Martin won't let her into his heart; he's never been able to trust anyone. Into this quagmire of mutual torment walks Andrew, a regular guy personified, to become the first real friend Martin has ever had. At this point the picture jumps up a notch, for Andrew is played by hunky, appealing young Russell Crowe, whose emotional range and star quality are already unmistakable. Just when we think that Proof has devolved into yet another feel-good buddy picture, the ground shifts again beneath our feet. There are no easy answers in this movie; that's the pleasure in it. --Laura Mirsky

Customer Reviews

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 Us", "Proof") to imploding/exploding rage ("Quick and the Dead", "LA Confidential", "The Insider" and "Gladiator"). If you are looking for the latter, this is not the movie for you. You'll be bored and wonder if the body from the "rage" flicks were just creative lighting (no.....he just pumped up for "Romper Stomper" and never bulked down). But if you want to see Crowe smile and giggle uncontrollably, check this out. Overall, it's a moving, funny yet thought-provoking film that makes you think about what "proof" we all need in our lives.

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 gone on to recent and popular success. I can only hope that this leads to more exposure of this film, a small Australian production that is as well-executed, well-written, and well-acted as any classic American cinema. "Proof" is worth a video store search or purchase. It is truly a diamond in the rough.