Directed by Taylor Hackford
Written by Tony Gilroy. Inspiration from Thomas Hargrove (book The Long March To Freedom), William Prochnau (article Adventures in the Ransom Trade)

Meg Ryan .... Alice Bowman
Russell Crowe .... Terry Thorne
David Morse .... Peter Bowman
David Caruso .... Dino
Pamela Reed .... Janis Bowman

Produced by Tony Gilroy (executive), Taylor Hackford, Charles Mulvehill, Steven Reuther (executive)
Original music by Danny Elfman
Cinematography by Slavomir Idziak
Film Editing by Sheldon Kahn John Smith

Rated R for violence, language and some drug material.

1. Main Title 2. The Hostage Game 3. Plane To Catch 4. Alice Breaks Down 5. Bullet In The Head 6. The Miscarriage 7. Escape 8. The Rescue 9. The Finale

SYNOPSIS:

People take hostages all over the world, wait for contact, make a demand and then negotiate it. For the family, it?s emotional. For the kidnappers, it?s just business.

While constructing a dam in Tecala, a country located in the Andes, American chief engineer Peter Bowman (David Morse) is captured by anti-government forces during a raid on the capital city. When the rebels learn his identity they demand $3 million for his safe return. Peter?s Houston-based employer, however, is on the verge of bankruptcy and has canceled the kidnapping insurance policy and they cannot provide the money for his ransom.

Abandoned by the company, Peter?s wife, Alice (Meg Ryan), must deal with it on her own. She retains the services of professional hostage negotiator Terry Thorne (Russell Crowe), an Australian-born SAS veteran who over the past nine years has handled numerous high profile kidnappings, using every means at his disposal.

After an encouraging start, the negotiations deteriorate into a lengthy haggling session. During these discussions, Peter is moved from one remote guerrilla camp high in the Andes down to another camp in the Amazonian jungle, suffering the most hellish physical and mental hardships. By rediscovering his love for Alice, and focusing on that positive image, he sustains his will to survive.

Meanwhile, the emotional stress of the kidnapping has taken its toll on Alice, magnifying the uneasiness that existed in their marriage before the abduction. Further complicating matters is Alice?s guilty realization of a growing fondness for Terry, her protector and her husband?s potential savior. Terry intuitively reciprocates and becomes frustrated and conflicted by his decidedly unprofessional feelings for her.

When they reach a breakdown in the negotiations for her husband?s freedom, Terry devises a daring yet desperate plan with the help of a fellow negotiator Dino (David Caruso) and a trio of highly trained mercenaries, to mount a bold rescue operation.

PLAYING UP THE DYNAMIC
There are two dynamics that keep the tension strong in the film:
1) The romantic tension.
2) The life-threatening environment of the captive husband.

Both of these circumstances question the idea of Purpose and Destiny.

Is the developing love affair destiny, or is it just happening?
Is the love affair out of the bounds of what is otherwise providence?
Was the kidnapping meant to be, or did it just happen?
Was the death of the daughter meant to be, or did it just happen?

THE QUESTION
Alice Bowman states, "People say things happen for a reason. In Africa I had a miscarriage. There is so much pain. You can't make sense of it. Things don't happen for a reason. They happen. My daughter is buried in Africa. Explain that."

It's an old question, but a good one: Why do babies die?

The film asks the question: Is there any reason or purpose in life?

JESUS, THE MISSIONARY AND THE BIBLE
To find clues to the kidnapped husband, Terry is directed to a note under the Purple Jesus in a church. A kidnapped missionary helps the husband and provides his Bible as a way to make maps of their location. There seems to be a subtle paradox in the script between "life just happens" and the involvement of God in life (purpose).

The film also suggests that life does have some level of meaning and purpose. Examples: The unexpected return of Terry to find the husband at a very key moment. The providential presence of a helpful missionary. The use of the Bible as a literal road map to salvation. The "fortunate" timing of events which suggests a certain level of destiny.

THE VALUE OF A HUMAN LIFE
Terry exhibits a self-sacrificing risk in rescuing the husband. Risking one's life to save another places high value on human life. As Jesus said, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13 NRSV).

It seems, however, that Terry may have other reasons for his self sacrificing risk taking for the husband:
1) Is he doing this more out of a love for the wife, Alice?
2) Is it a personal statement of his proof (purpose) of life?

I think I lean toward number two. It is the ultimate statement for the Proof of Life.

Getting back to the discussion of Life's Purpose:
I believe life is a mixed paradox.
Some things happen.
Some things have profound purpose.
There is both Free Will and Destiny.
Life is an interplay between the two.
Life is a mystery.
Life is ultimately in the hands of God.

What do you think about Life? Email me

How did you like the film? Post your comments.

PROOF OF LIFE
Subject: Proof_of_Life
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002
From: Catherine/Randall

CONCERNING DAVID MORSE
Subject: Review of the movie
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000
From: Critte

I saw the movie "Proof of Life" at a sneak preview in Los Angeles on December 2, at Century City' AMC theaters. The movie was sold out one hour before show time. Most of the audience was their to see Russell Crowe and his relationship with Meg Ryan on screen. Although,after the movie was over. approximately two thirds of the viewers stayed around discussing the plot and actors; the majority of the audience was so appreciative that their where no sex scenes or an actually (visual) affair going on. As a Christian, I really enjoyed the fact that the audience liked the subject matter of the movie and the performances by the top notch actors. How I reveled in the beautiful scenery and the fact that Meg Ryan' character was grieving for a child she miscarried! Many critics and people who have made comments on this movie seem to over look that fact. The couples unhappiness is do to their lose. This eight month old unborn little girl seem to be the sole desire and glue to their marriage. How great it is to see the love for an unborn child being portrayed in a Hollywood movie! I believe this goes along with what you were saying about the use of the bible and the missionary. Many people who have made a negative review of this film say it is because the affair was left out...thank God! I felt actor David Morse who play's Ryan's husband did a wonderful job of showing fear and remorse for his dispute with his wife. One critic said that he could not believe Mr. Morse's character, because he was so ugly and unattractive that who would believe Meg's character could having even married him; let alone carried about him be rescued. What a horrible statement.! Because I may not be attractive, I should not be loved, married or rescued? This is a famous critic on a major tv station that gave this review. How sad for our country and people to soley judge a person on their looks. I think David Morse is a nice looking man. I hear he is a very private person and spends his time away from Hollywood in Pennsylvania. He and his wife give generously to third world countries (even visiting them to make sure the children foundations they have giving to provide care to these individuals). Also, they donate to numerous churches. They have three children of their own and still give and work within their community. So God does exsist in Hollywood. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond to your website.