Cinemaddiction
Surprised there weren't any threads on this one. (Funny how a lot of my threads start off with that...)
Alison and I watched it tonight, after having nabbed 1 of the 8 copies we got in at work and I was plesantly surprised. In a nutshell, Gwyneth Paltrow's "Catherine" has been watching over her once genius father, played by Anthony Hopkins, up until his death which is where the film begins. Catie, following almost too closely in her father's footsteps, comes to terms that she may have inherited both her father's mathematical prowess, and his mental instability. While her distant sister has concluded Catie's lost, having shut herself out over the past 5 years, Hal (Jake Gyllenhaal) uncovers a mathematical proof. The proof and it's unknown origins will either solidify Robert's legacy as a brilliant mind, or confirm Catherine's suspicions that she's only a couple of equations away from insanity.
While there were some issues with the editing, confusing times, events, and recollections at times, that didn't take away from what SHOULD have been a multi-award winning performance by Gwyneth Paltrow. I've never been a big fan of hers, namely because a lack of exposure, but she plays a neurotic, with traces of cynicism, masterfully. Jake Gyllenhaal, too, has matured as an actor form the days of "Donnie Darko" and progressed the unique story along.
The ending left Alison unsatisfied, but personally, it fit. It allowed you to draw your own conclusion, imagine what if..what's going to happen, and question if it will all come full circle. Most movies adapted from plays don't always translate well to the screen, but I feel as if this one did. It's basic and unique. Not overly artsy, but underappreciated and easily accessible.
Alison and I watched it tonight, after having nabbed 1 of the 8 copies we got in at work and I was plesantly surprised. In a nutshell, Gwyneth Paltrow's "Catherine" has been watching over her once genius father, played by Anthony Hopkins, up until his death which is where the film begins. Catie, following almost too closely in her father's footsteps, comes to terms that she may have inherited both her father's mathematical prowess, and his mental instability. While her distant sister has concluded Catie's lost, having shut herself out over the past 5 years, Hal (Jake Gyllenhaal) uncovers a mathematical proof. The proof and it's unknown origins will either solidify Robert's legacy as a brilliant mind, or confirm Catherine's suspicions that she's only a couple of equations away from insanity.
While there were some issues with the editing, confusing times, events, and recollections at times, that didn't take away from what SHOULD have been a multi-award winning performance by Gwyneth Paltrow. I've never been a big fan of hers, namely because a lack of exposure, but she plays a neurotic, with traces of cynicism, masterfully. Jake Gyllenhaal, too, has matured as an actor form the days of "Donnie Darko" and progressed the unique story along.
The ending left Alison unsatisfied, but personally, it fit. It allowed you to draw your own conclusion, imagine what if..what's going to happen, and question if it will all come full circle. Most movies adapted from plays don't always translate well to the screen, but I feel as if this one did. It's basic and unique. Not overly artsy, but underappreciated and easily accessible.