Catherine gradually warms up to Hal (and ends up sleeping with him after her father’s funeral) and reveals to him some of her own mathematical work. Believing the formulas scribbled in a green notebook are part of Robert’s work, Hal exclaims that the mathematical notes reveal a new breakthrough in the field. When Catherine claims the notebook as her own, both Hal and Claire are skeptical. Is Catherine a liar? Is she insane like her father? Or is she possibly even more brilliant than Robert in his prime? Catherine wrestles with these questions right along with them.

A few aspects of "Proof" keep it from being a truly great movie. Catherine’s relationship with her father is shown largely through flashbacks that are unfortunately choppy and sometimes hard to follow. The movie also doesn’t seem to adapt too well from stage to screen. Many of the scenes are much longer than moviegoers will be used to, and the sets don’t change much.

Despite these detractions, "Proof" effectively portrays both the highs and lows of the human mind. The Psalmist prayed, “I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14). Our minds are so incredibly complex, that contemporary science still has not conquered them. Mankind can conceive brilliant abstract thoughts on the wonders of the universe, yet the inner workings of our own heads are largely elusive to us. Our character, our humanity is often revealed in how we deal with both our greatness, and our frailty. "Proof" gives us a poignant look at that humanity.

AUDIENCE:  Older teens and up

OBJECTIONABLE CONTENT:

• Drugs/Alcohol:  Catherine gets a bottle of champagne for her birthday. People drink heavily (and get drunk) at a party following Robert’s funeral. Hal talks about mathematicians he knows who use recreational drugs.
• Language/Profanity:  A moderate amount of profanity (including a few instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain) is sprinkled throughout the movie. Several arguments with emotional screaming may be a bit too intense for children.
• Sex/Nudity:  Catherine and Hal get drunk and have sex. No nudity is shown, but the scene pushes the envelope of the film’s PG-13 rating. Catherine is shown twice in her underwear, in the aforementioned scene and in a clothing store dressing room.
• Violence:  None