Review of Proof of Life

Introduction

"Proof of Life" was Russell Crowe`s first movie after "Gladiator" elevated him to superstardom status, it also earned him notoriety for his off-screen affair with Meg Ryan with led to her marriage breaking up and Crowe requiring protection at the Oscar awards ceremony after a threat against his life was uncovered.

In the film, he`s concerned with negotiating the release of Ryan`s husband, played by David Morse, who has been kidnapped whilst working in South America and is being held for ransom. Crowe plays a K & R (Kidnap and Ransom) consultant from a prominent London firm, assigned to get Morse out - things aren`t helped by the high demands of the kidnappers or his growing attraction for Ryan - despite them both knowing that one day, her husband will be freed. Crowe is eventually forced to team up with a fellow K & R consultant, played by David Caruso, in order to get Morse back.

Video

Video is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and is of a very high standard throughout the film, with no sign of dirt or grain evident on the print.

The film starts off in war-torn Chechnya, a bleak battle-scared landscape, moves to London and then over to South America - three very contrasting landscapes! South America in particular is very visually appealing, with the beautiful landscape of the Andes used to full-effect in the film.

Of particular note is the closing sequence as the credits roll - leave the DVD playing and you`ll be treated to some fantastic aerial footage of Ecuador which is well worth watching.

As far as visual effects go, the two main action sequences at each end of the film contain plenty of explosions and gunfire etc, all of which looks very authentic.

Audio

The disc carries a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, which is excellent throughout the movie with full use made of the soundstage for effects and music.

There`s quite a bit of action in this film, so we`re treated to helicopters, explosions and gunfire, all of which comes at you from all directions.

The dialogue remains clear and understandable throughout the film.

Features

The extras consist of cast/crew bios, the HBO documentary "The Making of Proof of Life", a director`s commentary and the trailer.

The "Making of Proof of Life" runs for 14 minutes and is hosted by David Caruso. Although this contains a great deal of movie footage, there are some worthwhile snippets of information in the interviews with the cast and crew. This program also includes interviews with the real K & R Consultants whom the film was based on.

The director`s commentary is also quite informative, giving plenty of background on the film along with descriptions on how locations were set up etc and the problems encountered.

The disc is packaged in one of Warner`s usual snapper cases, which details the 37 chapter breaks.

Conclusion

Overall, "Proof of Life" is an excellent film, which is badly let down by one unbelievably weak scene near the start when Ryan and Morse have an argument in their kitchen about why they are in South America. When I saw this film at the cinema, this scene left me wondering what I had let myself in for, but luckily it is the only weak spot in what is otherwise an very enjoyable thriller.

Set in the fictional country Tecala (although really about Columbia, where hostage taking is prolific), the film is beautifully made and superbly acted, with Russell Crowe again proving that his current superstar status is fully deserved. The supporting cast are also excellent, with Ryan and Morse in particular both playing their parts very well.

Video and sound are very good, and the extras are reasonable - when combined with the enjoyable film, this adds up to a recommended DVD.