It seems that most talk surrounding Proof Of Life is focused on Meg Ryan and Russell Crowes steamy relationship. I mean, who can resist a big smutty story about two of Hollywoods biggest stars? Usually the personal gossip is so much better than the movie, but what a pity it is in this case. It just so happens that Proof Of Life stands pretty strong on its own merits.
Set in Equador, Proof Of Life is built around a rescue mission. Peter Bowman (David Morse) is taken hostage by a band of political activists while on his way to work one day. They believe that since he is working on a project for a large oil company, he will definitely be worth some serious cash. Enter Terry Thorne (Russell Crowe), a negotiator in K&R (kidnap and ransom). He and Peters wife, Alice (Meg Ryan), work together to barter a price and get Peter back home to safety.
Its not until the final stretch of the film that guns start blazing and the intensity peaks. The largest portion of the film is driven by some serious drama and a perspective on life thats rarely seen in movies today: man is equivalent to cargo. We see the ins and outs of the intricate K&R business and how the psyche handles times of crisis. Crowe has a truly powerful screen presence. He has this way of taking you in and making you want to trust him. Its not too difficult to see why Meg fell for the man.
The main downfall in Proof Of Life is Meg Ryans character, Alice. Her presence becomes somewhat of a hindrance to what Crowe is trying to accomplish. Not only that, but her soppy eyes are too reminiscent of every other nauseatingly sentimental character shes ever played. If she were an unseen character rather than a driving force, the film would have kept with its momentum and not dragged in so many instances.
Though a little on the long side, Proof Of Life still manages to hold interest. The supporting cast comprised of David Caruso, David Morse, and Pamela Reed is strong, and the story line is intriguing enough. Even if it weren’t, seeing Ryan and Crowes undeniable chemistry can be a guilty pleasure in itself.
+ Ashley Adams
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