Proof **** (1991, Hugo Weaving, Geneviève Picot, Russell Crowe) – Classic Movie Review 10,033

Writer-director Jocelyn Moorhouse’s 1991 Proof stars Hugo Weaving as Martin, a blind 30-something photographer who is cared for by housekeeper Celia (Geneviève Picot), who behaves spitefully towards him when he does not return her love.

A chance meeting with helpful young kid Andy (Russell Crowe), a restaurant worker, turns into real friendship, but Celia (Picot) seduces Andy (Crowe), making him lie to Martin (Weaving) and she maliciously exposes the lad’s deceit to Martin (Weaving).

Proof is a delicious love triangle romantic drama from Aussie director Moorhouse, and a warm meditation on truth, friendship and love. It hits exactly the right tone – good-humoured, funny, touching, positive – and adds just a slight tinge of something darker – regret, frustration, wickedness, black comedy and lost love.

The unfaltering acting backs up the director’s persuasive screenplay, and Moorhouse brings off a delicate task with apparent ease and grace.

Also in the cast are Heather Mitchell, Jeffrey Walker, Daniel Pollock, Frankie J Holden, Frank Gallacher, Saskia Post, Belinda Davey and Cliff Ellen.

Proof is directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, runs 91 minutes, is made by House & Moorhouse, Australian Film Commission and Film Victoria, is released by Roadshow Films (1991) (Australia), Artificial Eye (1991) (UK) and Fine Line Features (1992) (US), is written by Jocelyn Moorhouse, is shot by Martin McGrath, is produced by Lynda House, is scored by Russell Bradley and designed by Patrick Reardon.

It is shot in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,033

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