Proof – Blindes Vertrauen (1991)

Proof – Blindes Vertrauen: Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse. With Hugo Weaving, Geneviève Picot, Russell Crowe, Heather Mitchell. The life of a blind photographer who is looked after by a housekeeper is disrupted by the arrival of an agreeable restaurant worker.

“I just watched on video u0026quot;Proofu0026quot;, a 1991 film from Australia that seemed like it would be a comedy about a blind man who takes pictures to u0026quot;proveu0026quot; the experiences he has had in life. This film was many things – unique, subtle, intriguing, and a very interesting look at the psychology of human interaction – but I fail to see how it was a u0026quot;comedyu0026quot;, not that that at all detracts from this good film!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe main character, Martin (Hugo Weaving; flashback scenes from when he was perhaps eight or nine years old played by Jeffrey Walker) is blind from birth and, though it isnu0026#39;t really explained how, develops a distrust of people, including his Mother (Heather Mitchell). He starts taking pictures to prove that in fact he is experiencing what others say he is; as an adult, it becomes compulsive.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe problem in u0026quot;provingu0026quot; oneu0026#39;s experiences in this way is that it relies on a sighted person to detail the pictures, and Martin finds such a trusted friend in Andy (Russell Crowe). Celia (Geneviève Picot) has an unhealthy relationship with Martin, frustrated as his housekeeper who loves him, but who gets only cruel coolness from Martin. In jealousy and anger, she attempts to disrupt the friendship that Martin and Andy have begun.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI liked this quite unique film that really doesnu0026#39;t fit any easy categories, except perhaps as a quirky low-key drama. It was very interesting to have a deep focus on just three characters (and just a few other minor ones, including the guide dog Bill).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eTo be a little critical, I found it a bit difficult to believe that Martin had such a seemingly unfounded distrust of people, as all of the flashbacks to his childhood seemed to show his Mother loving and not misleading her son. Celiau0026#39;s motivation for love after working for years as Martinu0026#39;s help and nothing more was a little difficult for me to understand. I really liked Andy, but didnu0026#39;t understand his motivation either to so quickly agree to be the photo interpreter and then dive into a friendship.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThat said, u0026quot;Proofu0026quot; was a pleasure to watch. It was almost surreal in a sense, and quirkily fun to see the characters interact. The film dealt in an interesting way with the principles of honesty and trust. I would like to see the film again soon, and suspect it will be even more interesting in the second viewing.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e –Dilip Barman, May 8, 2004”