Proof

8/27/2022

Math is an exact science. A mathematical proof is a demonstration of this exactness. Math can also be, according to those who study it, beautiful – an art form even; in that sense, Proof is an aptly titled film in which mathematics overlaps with metaphysics, poetry and even faith. Proof knows its characters’ field well enough to have a little fun with it (a character and his math department buddies have a band, and once of their songs is called “i”, as in ‘imaginary number;’ “They just stand there. They don't play anything for three minutes.”); on the other hand, it assumes at times, not entirely without reason, ignorance on the part of the audience. Now, I’ll confess that I didn’t know what a Germain prime was, but the characters do, so it’s a bit of awkward exposition when one explain

7/18/2024

This film quite succinctly sums up the characteristics of it's principal character. At times it's potent and at others it's a mess. It's all about "Catherine" (Gwyneth Paltrow) who together with her sister "Claire" (Hope Davis) are the daughters of acclaimed mathematician "Robert" (Sir Anthony Hopkins). Now he was borderline obsessed, in a clinical fashion, with his work writing a proof that will profoundly redefine thinking amongst his scientific community. Thing is, he's dead now and seems determined to "haunt" the life of his just as determined daughter (Paltrow) who, herself, treads a very thin line between reality and fantasy. Matters are exacerbated when one of his star pupils "Hal" (Jake Gyllenhaal) asks to look through their late father's papers and discovers something of monumenta