{PROOF}

"This could change everything"

After the death of her father, Catherine (Paltrow) fears that she may be developing the same mental illness that drove him to madness and took away the last three years of his life. Robert (Hopkins) was however, a world-renowned mathematician and his assistant Hal (Gyllenhaal) is reading through the hundreds of journals he wrote during his illness to see if there is anything there that can advance mathematics again. As he and Catherine become close, Hal discovers something that could be monumental but could this mathematical proof be Robert's final gift to the world?

Director John Madden is together again with his Oscar winning star of 'Shakespeare in Love', Gwyneth Paltrow but can they recapture the magic?

Based on play by David Auburn and adapted by the writer himself, this story of mental illness, dysfunctional families and self-sacrifice gives Gwyneth Paltrow another chance to shine. Reprising the role she played to great success in London's West End, Paltrow throws herself into the part of Catherine, the woman who sacrificed her education and her work to look after her genius father who has succumbed to mental illness. This is a role that is tailor made for her talents and showcases again that she is a fine actress and one that deserved to win her Oscar.

The story itself is an interesting one and one that is primed for drama. Most of us will know friends or even family members that have given up everything to look after a family member or loved one when they have become ill. When you add in the fact that he is a mathematical genius who still believes he one great piece of work left in him, it only adds to the sense of tragedy. The film analyses how this can affect the person caring for them and how a sick relative can influence the way they think and their outlook for the future.

Joining Gwyneth is a small ensemble that brings the key characters of the play to life. One of Hollywood best young actors, Jake Gyllenhaal continues to impress as Hal, Robert's last assistant and student and growing friend to Catherine. This is a role that highlights Gyllenhaal's ability to play anytime of role in any type of movie, from the romantic interest to the leading man. Hope Davis is an actress who has always made an impression on the indie scene and in supporting roles and this is another fine example of her talent. As Claire, Catherine's sister who has distanced herself from the family's problems, she creates another fine character and one that shows she is a superb actress. Anthony Hopkins brings some class to the film in the smaller role, seen mainly in flashback. As Robert, the troubled mathematical genius we see his fall into madness and the veteran actor uses all of his skill to show this with the emotion that the part needed.

'Proof' might seem like one of those movies that are simply made to win a gold statue during the award season but it has a lot more to offer than that. With excellent performances from the cast and a storyline that hits the right emotional cord to appeal to moviegoers that enjoy a good social drama, this is a film that keeps you enthralled throughout. With the mathematics subplot never getting too complicated or taking over from the family drama, this film proves again that both director Madden and Gwyneth Paltrow always make movies worth watching.