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April 09, 2006
Proof
I watched the movie “Proof” last night. It was fantastic—moving, thought-provoking and well-done.
(I realized recently that well-done is not enough for me, that if a piece of art—movie, play, story etc.—is merely technically proficient, pretty, and well-done, then it doesn’t appeal to me. I want to be moved by things, not just impressed by their loveliness or difficulty. It can be emotionally moved or intellectually moved. I just want to be affected somehow. I am starting to think I am out of sync with most people on that score.)
After seeing the movie “Proof,” I want to see the play it was based on even more than I did before. There were so many wonderful writing touches in the movie, and I suspect in the play as well—little details packed with significance, threads of meaning that move through the story, moments of truth and clarity and specificity that draw you in and make it all feel real.
The movie brings up questions that I have wondered about before. For instance, why is it that madness and brilliance are so often linked? Why is it that so many great minds are also the most fragile? Why do creative people seem to be more susceptible to mental problems than the general population? Is it merely the price they pay for their gifts? Or is it that the things that make them creative and brilliant are also the things that make them more susceptible to mental problems? It’s a sad mystery.
“Proof” reminded me of other great movies on the topic, like “A Beautiful Mind” and “Rain Man.” I heartily recommend all three of those movies.
Posted by Selena at April 9, 2006 08:22 AM