Reviews

"Proof" surprised me in more than one way. First, the previews and promotion gave away almost none of the story, which was refreshing. Second, Paltrow makes what could have been a star vehicle for Hopkins and herself into a complex and enormously moving story about families, love, and trust.

The relationship between the sisters, one who cares for an ailing parent and one who flees the scene of the ailing parent, rang true. The push-pull of identification between the gifted but troubled father and the equally if not more gifted daughter was poignant and credible.

The multiple meanings of the title word, "proof," are resonant. "Proof" refers to the touchstone of the plot, of course, the mathematical proof of uncertain authorship found in the father's desk, but it also refers to the issues of trust and faith in another person, to what we can prove and what we can't prove, to proof of love, and to proving oneself to others. These universal issues transcend the specialized world of pure mathematics in the story, and this film allows viewers to experience that.

I ran across this movie on TV by accident over 10 years after it was made. I'd never heard of it before, but I've been haunted by it ever since. Spacek's portrayal of Verna is nuanced and heart-breaking. The story contains some surprises, which take it beyond the formula it seems to be following.

The rest of the cast is excellent, in particular Sally Kellerman and William Hurt.

The setting is Viet Nam, which once would have given it a contemporary feel. However, it didn't feel dated.

It's a shame "Verna--USO Girl" isn't a better known film. I recommend it.

This movie is a gem. Joanne Woodward's acting has subtlety and insight. The story of a woman fearful of life and change is told with great truthfulness and sensitivity. The ending succeeded in being hopeful without surrendering to sentimentality or cliche, and I was deeply moved.