PROOF

REVIEWS:

This is the movie that won Russell Crowe his first AFI award (for Best Supporting Actor). Upon viewing, it is clear that the award was well-deserved.

The movie is an original, which is increasingly hard to come by. The story is of a blind man, Martin (Hugo Weaving), who feels compelled to photograph his surroundings in order to document his life. He is a paranoid and distrustful man, who, because of his handicap, must rely on a hired housekeeper, Celia (Genevieve Picot), to assist him in every day life.

The story begins when Martin encounters an unassuming and friendly dishwasher, Andy (Russell Crowe). The two become friends of a sort, when Andy earns Martin's trust by describing Martin's photographs to him.

As the film progresses, we learn that there's more to Celia than meets the eye. To further explain would spoil the plot.

All three actors deliver sound performances. Russell is particularly engaging as an honest and trustworthy counterpoint to Picot's scheming and hateful Celia.

The best scene is when Andy takes Martin to the drive-in movie and the aftermath of the trip. I laughed so hard, I cried. And hearing Russell laugh out loud like a silly little boy made me want him even more. Russell fans who have seen his performance in The Crossing will note a marked maturity in his talent and appearance.

The movie is about trust and how easy it is to lose it. Well worth the
purchase price and a must-see for any Russell fan.
Rated: four crowes
~bbw

Thanks to the Crowe Slide Shows site for the screen captures!