Proof that this film works

"Proof" is a singular film. From the outset, it is well acted, the plot is compelling and the story line pulls at the audience and doesn't stop. Adapted for the screen by the same playwright who authored the Tony-winning play, the film version demands impressive performances by the small, tight-knit group of actors. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hope Davis and Anthony Hopkins all deliver powerful and even award-nomination-garnering performances (Paltrow was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role).\nThe story begins with Catherine (Paltrow) speaking with her father Robert (Hopkins) in the kitchen. It is her birthday, and she is worried that she is going insane. Her father, a world-renowned mathematician, was senile and crazy as of his late 20's, and now that Catherine is turning 26 she is worried she will suffer the same fate. At the end of the conversation, a secret is disclosed (that will not be spoiled here) that forces the question: is Catherine really going insane, or is she simply paranoid about becoming insane?\nThis powerful conflict propels the story forward beautifully. Catherine's sister, Claire (Davis), flies in for their father's funeral and only complicates things; she wants to help, but her aggressive interferences agitate Catherine to the point of even more complex ambiguity: is she crazy, or simply angry with her sister? \nThe unfolding of the ambiguity of Catherine's struggle is fascinating to watch, and Paltrow handles the role beautifully. The script is highly conducive to wonderful performances, because for much of the film, the viewer must decide on their own: are we watching a woman losing her mind, or are we watching a woman battle a more common depression? Is Catherine going to suffer the same fate as her father, or will she be able to stave off the sickness and lead a normal life?\nGyllenhaal's performance as the love interest Hal is also well-done. While he is overshadowed by Paltrow's and Davis's near-perfect performances, the story is so interesting that it provides these actors with inherently compelling roles. \nThis is a film that is easily recognizable as being adapted from a play. \nThere is very little flashy action in this film, other than the actual movements of the characters. The opening scene, broken up by only a flashback, is 15-minutes long and takes place in one setting (the ground floor of Catherine's house). However, the film is just over 90-minutes long, a decision made by director John Madden to keep the film gripping despite that it looks and feels like a play at certain points.\nThe DVD has an interesting "Making Of" featurette, in which Madden explains the challenges in taking a successful play and creating it within a new medium. However, if you're buying this DVD, do it for the film, not the special features; they did not go to any lengths to provide much else of any significant value.