'Proof' lacks much life
By Maximum Crowe

Don't let the much-hyped subplot fool you. Proof of Life isn't a romantic drama, it's a thriller. If all involved had remembered that -- or ever realized it -- the film could have been a strong contender. Instead, not even its star talent and a few exciting action sequences can save it from being curiously empty.

Most of the blame lies with Tony Gilroy's terribly weak script. What's worse, director Taylor Hackford, whose films have almost always lacked a sense of urgency, isn't focused enough here to overcome the script's lack of substance.

Russell plays Terry Thorne, a hostage retriever and the kind of guy just waiting for a crisis of faith. He's tough enough, but apparently lacks much of a life outside work.

Meg Ryan's Alice, meanwhile, is pretty and pert and also pretty smart -- smart enough to know that her life with husband Peter (David Morse) is lacking. When Peter ends up kidnapped for ransom by South American rebels, Alice must come to terms with her feelings for him while also attracted to the man sent to save him. But is it real love that she feels for Terry, or just an infatuation with a man who's strong and capable and direct? And does Terry really come to love Alice or just what being with her represents?

You certainly won't find the answers in this movie. Proof of Life never gets that deep.

Instead, Terry and Alice's love affair is only hinted at: Alice closely watches Terry negotiate with a kidnapper; later, Terry glances forward to see Alice in another room, looking soft and beautiful. It all feels forced and unfinished, as if most of their important scenes together were left on the cutting-room floor. It's a real disservice to both Ryan and Russell, because their chemistry is undeniable. It also makes the romance subplot seem totally unnecessary.

What the film gets right, it gets right extremely well. Morse makes Peter both flawed and likable; his journey back to Alice -- both physically and emotionally -- is riveting. And David Caruso, as fellow hostage negotiator Dino, proves he's much more effective as second banana than leading man. With help from Caruso's wry delivery, Dino comes off as the smartest character in the film. ("Are you falling in love with this woman?" he asks Terry, apparently the only person to pick up on the couple's growing familiarity.)

Meanwhile, Russell does the best he can with what he's got. After 20 odd films and performances that range from good to mesmerizing, the man doesn't have to prove he can carry a film. As it is, he and Morse are the two most compelling actors here and the real reasons to see the film.

And then there's the action. In the film's final act, director Hackford creates some of the best action sequences this year. He's aided by the stunning South American scenery which, through the lens of cinematographer Slawomir Idziak, becomes a character itself.

But therein lies the problem with Proof of Life. If an audience has time to check out the mountains, the trees, the beauty of its stars, then the film is lacking something. Take Gladiator, a film with twice the scope of this one. It was an epic film with lavish costumes and lush interiors, but did we ever lose interest in what the characters were saying? Did Lucilla's fabulous outfits draw our attention away from Connie Nielsen's exquisite acting?

What's missing here is purpose. Why should we be interested in these people, why should we care? There is plenty of plot to get through, yes, but Hackford spends so much time on the whos and the whats, he forgets to give the film much heart. As a result, the whole thing has little lasting impact.

Proof of Life:

Compared to your typical political thriller/action film, "Proof of Life" has very complex characters and situations and the acting is very good all around. Russell is great as usual, managing to make the character of Terry strong and stalwart without being wooden and boring. This is a guy you REALLY believe could handle this type of situation in real life! You can really picture Russell in another life doing Terry's job. And Russell wears tailored suits and camouflage with equal aplomb!

I liked his performance in the film a lot, but waited in vain for Taylor Hackford to give Russell those moments he has been given in the past (as in Gladiator, The Insider or L.A. Confidential) where he has the opportunity to really sink his teeth into the role and show us the soul of each of these characters.

Meg Ryanâs performance won't be any surprise to her fans who have seen her dramatic roles. She manages to portray Alice as a woman who can remain strong during such a crisis, because she has no choice if she wants to help get her husband back. But how are Russell and Meg together? There is a real regard that builds between Terry and Alice that is portrayed in a nicely restrained way by both actors.

David Morse brings great dignity to the role of the kidnapped husband, Peter. It is very interesting to see that Peter never allows the kidnappers to make a ãvictimä out of him. In the few scenes he has in the film, David Carusoâs Dino threatens to steal the movie because Dino is the only one having any fun!

That said, "Proof of Life" is a very good film and is a good "thinking person's" action film. Once again, Russell has proved that he can play any type of role, even a character like Terry who is closer to a traditional 'action hero' than any other part that Russell has ever played! (by Catherine in Hollywood)

Proof of Life test screening, Mann's Marketplace 4 Theatre, Glendale, Calif. Oct. 7, 2000

From the (temporary) opening titles to the very end, I have two words: Suspense and tension. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire film. For those of us who adore Russell Crowe, let me say that Russell is incredible as usual, mesmerizing as Terry Thorton, very Australian, but another character completely as he dissolves into another persona on the screen. He plays a military man whose goal and purpose is clear, and his purpose never falters in the film. Russell again proves he can do anything and everything perfectly on film, and is the master of understatement in cinema. No one can hold the screen with this man in any film as you're driven to watch his subtleness and charisma. He is perfect in an incredibly physical role, and yet, as always with the slightest facial expression, he gives us the vulnerability of Terry, and his dilemma.

The movie was epic in scope, and never stopped reaching the level of tension it was looking for. David Morse is excellent as the victim you learn to feel for. Meg Ryan is great as the wife torn asunder, and I felt her exhaustion in this role. Taylor Hackford's ability to put suspense and chemistry on the screen happens once again.

Ryan grew as an actress in this movie, and she and Russell had incredible chemistry. There was a perfect flow of energy in the emotional scenes between them, and a special magic in the love scene that I quite honestly have not seen before with Russell on screen. I pray that this scene does not wind up on the cutting-room floor. I find it necessary to the plot and flow of the movie, and essential to the ending. Plus, the deep sighs in the theater would be enough for the ticket price alone. (By Tina)

Proof of Life:

Proof of Life was a good but not great movie. The opening action sequence in Chechnya was exciting, with Terry Thorne (Russell) trying to exchange money for a hostage release in the middle of a war zone. After this there were some slow-moving spots in the film that definitely need more editing, especially in the Peter (David Morse) and Alice (Meg Ryan) interaction scenes. From the time Peter is kidnapped, the film never really lags again. The Columbia scenes (AKA Ecuador) were great-looking with beautiful jungle shots and waterfalls so at odds with the human interactions going on amongst them.

The biggest shocker in the film was the absence of the steamy love scene between Terry and Alice that had been present in the previous screening! Terry kisses Alice good-bye as he goes to try to rescue her husband, but this is the only real physical contact between the two characters. It will be interesting to see how the final cut of the movie shows the relationship. The audience really clapped and whistled during the kissing scene (obviously influenced by all the media coverage of the romance between Russell and Meg).

The acting was all-around great. Russell looked great and is convincing as the former soldier turned hostage negotiator. David Morse was especially superb. His portrayal is brave and harrowing as his character develops and grows through his ordeal. David Caruso (Dino) gets most of the sharp, witty lines and is especially good in his scenes opposite Terry. Pamela Reed is good as Peter's sister. The only really weak link in the film was Meg Ryan. She just didn't convince me as this character.

The audience reaction was difficult to read at the end of the film. They seemed to enjoy the movie, but there was not a lot of clapping. It may have been due to the ending. It was slightly anticlimactic after all the action, but maybe the only possible ending that is appropriate.

This was not a finished film, but a work in progress. Hopefully it will be a better film by the time it is released. It has great promise, but is definitely not at the level of Gladiator or The Insider as yet. (by Maureen)

Proof of Life:

Due to a confidentiality agreement I signed (and I honor agreements) I can only proceed similarly to "Sally Tomato". Please check your classic movie history memory (Breakfast at Tiffany's).

I rushed to the scene last night after a call telling me a neighbor, who I have developed a regard for was on the operating table due to an accident. The neighbor was driving in some familiar territory, and then was asked to take an unfamiliar one in good faith, however, he was provided with an inaccurate map. Although details are hazy, a preliminary report (Dark Horizons) had mentioned certain gangrenous matter that evidently was removed prior to my arrival, leaving the patient less chance of survival due to the removal of certain crucial organs in the process.

The surgeon presiding is quite adroit in his speciality field, but as is often we find true, lacking in his bedside manner. In this case, there is a major operation involved, and a minor one. In the major operation the surgeon has done beautiful work. The botched job on the minor operation may leave patient in grave danger. One of the key witnesses to the accident was found not to be credible. This witness left the driver unattended quite a few times, leaving the driver to rely heavily on his hearty constitution while waiting for aid.

It looks like another operation will follow. Although I have great faith in the driver's constitution, the outcome remains to be seen.

Yours truly, Sally

Proof of Life:
As an action movie, it is pretty good. As just a movie, it is alright. As a Russell Crowe film, it is dissappointingly shallow.

From the advertisements, it was clear this film would be a fairly stereotypical hostage-situation thriller. However, I had hoped that Russell Crowe could breathe some life into several cliches. Much to my dismay, the script was flat and the stereotypes remained.

The plot is simple: American engineer Peter (David Morse) is abducted by drug-trafficking guerilla troops. His Australian negotiator Terry Thorne (Russell Crowe) is called in to negogiate his release, and inadvertantly falls for his wife (Meg Ryan).

As for Russell's performance, it is believable, yet uninspired. His acting potential, as exhibited in Jeffrey Wigand (The Insider) and Maximus (Gladiator), is gone to waste. Here it is just macho. This may sound harsh, but anyone could have played Terry Thorne. In fact, I'm surprised it was Russell, and not Harrison Ford or Bruce Willis, in the role. Meg Ryan practically weeps through her role, and David Morse is strong, yet limited, as the hostage. Altogether bland.

I am very disappointed, and am surprised at this sudden turn of passionless machismo and action. There is no fire and nothing to ignite my interest. He's the best actor we have, and Russell Crowe could do much better. (By Toons)

Proof of Life:
Speaking not as a movie critic but merely as a Russell Crowe fan, I would say it was not one of his more memorable roles, nor for Meg Ryan either. It is basically an action movie, and as such was OK, but nothing WOW. The first scene of conflict between Mr. and Mrs. Bowman (Morse and Ryan) was unbelievable. There had not been enough relationship established between them for us to understand why they were having trouble. It was an obviously scripted squabble and it removed me from being "in" the story. Whenever I'm aware of movie artificiality, that's not good drama. As for enjoyment of Russell factor, familiar facial expressions appeared, he gave it all he got, but the role just wasn't that interesting. Hopefully, upcoming movie roles such as Nash (or the freak in Flora Plum, maybe) will show him in a stronger, better light. (by AA)

The kiss alone was worth the price of admission! Terry Thorne--I mean Russell Crowe--was a natural in his role. I also found the relationship between RC's character and Meg Ryan's character quite believeable -- not overemphasized and not over-acted. I know where I'll be next weekend! (by Elizabeth)

Proof of Life:
Proof of Life is visually stunning movie taking you from a bustling city, through the jungle and into the mountains of South America. The main characters, Terry Thorne and Alice Bowman, are flawlessly portrayed by Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan.

Russell has once again shown how he is able to embody a character both physically and emotionally. He shows strength, confidence, and the sheer mental and physical stamina required to fight and win against the kidnappers. And, let us not forget Russell in the black tank top as he heads into battle. (Check out those biceps!)

Meg Ryan as Alice Bowman, wife of kidnapped engineer Peter Bowman, successfully combines strength, and raw emotion to give an excellent performance. I have enjoyed many of Meg Ryan's earlier films and believe this is her finest dramatic performance yet.

In terms of the actual story development there has been great effort put into melding the events taking place between Alice and Terry, and the events in the kidnapper's camp. The story progresses smoothly from start to finish, featuring some great action scenes at the beginning and end of the film.

The much-talked about romantic development between Russell and Meg Ryan's characters is noticeably absent. Aside from a couple of intimate moments, a few lengthy gazes, and one steamy kiss, the audience never really sees their relationship progress to an intense level. As a result, the film is more centered on the kidnapping events, negotiations. Perhaps this is as the story should be, after all trying to get an audience to like and sympathize with an adulterous wife and self indulging hero may be too much to ask.

Overall, Proof of Life is a very good film. If my audience was any indication, both men and women will enjoy it. A great date flick. (By Alison)

The movie started out strong with a ransom scene, but the screenplay faltered a bit in building the relationship between Alice (Meg Ryan) and Peter (David Morse). The argument scene just didn't work for me -- it came too early in the film I think. Neither character had been developed enough at that point for the audience to care about them or why they were arguing. But once the kidnapping took place, things got interesting, the suspense and the action built up, and the screenplay delivered. I think ALL the actors did a top-notch job. Everyone was believable, even the extras. I would've liked to have seen more comic interplay between Russell and Caruso, because their camaraderie came across very well on-screen. Meg Ryan did a fine job conveying delicate feelings, and Russell was awesome, as always. (by Theresa)

Proof of Life:
This is a solid movie with strong acting, a decent script and an interesting story. The character development was somewhat lacking, which fact was more pronounced because of the strength of the cast. Russell Crowe looked at times like he was desperately searching for something more interesting to say about his character. Despite an all out effort, Meg Ryan needed more than soulful expressions to develop Alice. The appeal Terry holds for Alice is obvious. What Terry sees in Alice is a little less obvious. (The kiss was real. That was Russell kissing Meg...it felt like voyeurism.) Overall, I think it does what it set out to do, and that is thrill the audience, throw in a little humor, and attract the Maximus crowd. (by Christine M)

I cannot say that the film captured my attention or emotions throughout. There were very strong performances by Pamela Reed, David Morse, David Caruso and Russell Crowe. But the casting faltered with Meg Ryan. I have actually always preferred her dramatic roles ("When a Man Loves a Woman" or "Flesh and Bone"), but she was not at her best here. Further, the work of the hair, make-up and lighting personnel was altogether too apparent. Ryan never looked, much less portrayed the emotions, of a woman whose life was in turmoil. From what I understand of rough cuts, key romantic encounters were deleted from the final product. It did leave the on-screen relationship between the Crowe and Ryan characters uneven. Perhaps a better choice would have been to forgo the attempts at a romantic triangle as the strength of the movie lies in the depiction of a K&R situation. The cinematography is stunning, and the acting by most hold the picture together. (by Jamie)

Mr. Crowe got short-changed on this one, and the star (with top billing) is Ms. Ryan. (by Carol W.)