Proof, the movie based on the play by David Auburn, is one of my favorite movies about mental illness. It was originally introduced to me by a professor in college, and drew me in like few movies have.
Right from the get-go, Catherine (Gwyneth Paltrow) is having a conversation with her father (Anthony Hopkins) about whether or not crazy people recognize their craziness.
Whether or not they do is a question for another day (and probably depends on the person), but the movie continues by telling the story of Catherine after her father’s death, a man she cared for during his years of mental instability … but her father, a mathematical genius, left a mystery behind when he died.
Characters:
Catherine and her sister, Claire (Hope Davis), both potentially inherited mental instability from their father. The movie never directly addresses the issue; in fact, Claire is not a focus at all – but Claire mentions her lists being “a compulsion” towards the beginning of the film. This is of course a light touch on a possibility of illness, and not a definite marker.
As Catherine’s mental condition slowly deteriorates throughout the film, we are left questioning what is truly real.
Warnings:
Many books and films about mental illness should include some sort of trigger warning, but this is one of the few that I do not find to be triggering. There is a brief sexual scene (with no nudity other than shoulders – up shown), as well as alcohol consumption and mild language.
Please keep in mind that we are all a little different, and if any of the aforementioned topics or scenes are triggers for you, then you should avoid this film or watch it carefully.
Recommendation:
Fans of the movie A Beautiful Mind or of the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” should definitely try Proof on for size. It may not be as well known (at least not by those I know), but it is definitely up to par.
Have you seen this movie yet? What did you think?
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
[…] got you. You’ve probably already watched A Beautiful Mind (love that movie) but have you seen Proof (based on the play by David Auburn) yet? Although not very well known, it’s a great mental illness movie about a young woman […]