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- "Proof of Life"
(Reviewed December 1, 2000)
- I absolutely loved this movie. Let me put it this way: I started writing these reviews in July of 2000, and this is only the fourth movie released this year that I have given an "A"
grade. What's strange is that none of those four movies (the other three being "Sunshine," "Requiem for a Dream" and "Snatch") have anything in common, except that all three are movies made for actual
grown-ups who like having their intelligence respected instead of insulted.
Russell Crowe plays a tough-but-sensitive go-between handling negotiations to get back Meg Ryan's kidnapped husband in a fictional South American country. Simple setup, right? But the
artistry of this film is that every character, every location, every conversation feels genuine and true. This is the kind of movie that usually is "Hollywoodized" into complete crap by giving the lead role to a
hammy no-talent like Mel Gibson, who would mug and twitch and goof his way through the role like a guy who was in a hurry to get back to his mansion or onto a golf course.
But I completely bought Russell Crowe in this role. He is smart, no-nonsense, professional, confidence-inspiring, reassuring, intimidating when he needs to be, knows when to be subtle and
when to be dynamic--everything a guy in his job should be. His relationship with Meg Ryan (of whom I never was a fan in the past, but she is entirely appropriate for her role) is believable and adult.
Crowe might get a Best Actor nomination next March for his work in "Gladiator." But if I had the keys to the AMPAS rental truck, I would hand the Oscar to him for this performance instead. He's that
good.
In fact, in a perfect world, this movie would be up for Best Director (Taylor Hackford), Screenplay, Actor and Supporting Actor (the flat-out excellent David Caruso) at Academy Awards time.
But it probably will get lost in the shuffle of holiday hype for Christmas crud (can you say "Family Man?"). Still, that doesn't keep it from being one of the very best movies of 2000.
Back Row Grade: A
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