I'm not in the habit of writing reviews of films right after I've seen them, but I thought I might make an exception in this case, (and I think I might after I watch the Watcher tomorrow :). Mainly because I'm absolutely determined to write more film reviews...
Back to the plot... Well, what to say about it? Well, ulitmately, it's disappointing. I don't want it to be, but it is. A good cast, let down by poor direction and a poor script.
The plot, in itself, is, incredibly, not bad - in fact, I think it is largely realistic, in both the situations it developes and the way it evolves. Even the action finalie, although it does appear tacked-on, is handled with some sublty.
Where it falls down badly, aided and abetted by some suprisingly bad acting (especially disappointing in the case of Crowe, who's been doing so well recently), is in the interaction of the principal characters. Crowe plays an K'n'R (Kidnap and Ransom) expert, sent in to facilitate the release of Meg Ryan's husband (David Morse), an oil company engineer who's been taken hostage in an unspecified South American location. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he's pulled, by his company, from the case, but, needless to say, his guilty conscience drags him back to the fray and Meg Ryan's side... but sparks there are not. Instead of a lusty, even if unrequited, love affair, we get lacklustre performances, poor pace and a complete lack of direction. Ryan is unconvincing as the stressed-out wife, and although Crowe makes a convincing hard man in general, his restrained Australian ex-SAS man is at times almost risible.
The only area of the film that does show some promise is that which depicts the hostage situation itself. As soon as Morse gets away from Ryan, he becomes convincing as the hostage, desperately trying to survive his ordeal, both physically and mentally. His is the only character, along with his fellow hostage, who generates any depth or sympathy.
All in all, although it benefits from some interesting locales (including the political climate which forms the backdrop) and editing, and the fact that it was inspired by real events, the film suffers from poor pace and scripting, ending up dull and lacking in any edge or real sympathy for the characters. Watchable, but only just, and made even more disappointing by the fact that you feel that everyone involved could have done so much better.
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: John Duigan - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend, Penelope Cruz
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
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Advantages: David Caruso and David Morse are good, and the premise is good Disadvantages: Zero chemistry between Crowe and Ryan. Dull and unentertaining
Alex1226 03.03.2001 ·
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Review of Proof Of Life (DVD)
![Proof Of Life [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78542101.jpg "Proof Of Life [DVD] [2001]")
Mar 9th, 2001
(Mar 12th, 2001)
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