At the Movies: `Proof of Life'

Does anyone actually care where acting stopped and real-life romance took over for Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe on the ``Proof of Life'' set? <br><br>The film's real hook is its fact-based exploration

Friday, December 8th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Does anyone actually care where acting stopped and real-life romance took over for Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe on the ``Proof of Life'' set?

The film's real hook is its fact-based exploration of the kidnapping of Western executives in third-world countries for huge ransoms. As such, Tony Gilroy's intelligent screenplay is utterly credible and totally terrifying.

When the film opens, it's apparent that all is not well between uptight engineer Peter Bowman (David Morse) and his corporate-hating wife, Alice (Ryan). They've recently moved to Tecala (a fictional Colombia-like country) so he can build an oil company's dam while she grudgingly plays housewife.

One vow-testing argument later, he speeds off to the construction site â€” but gets captured in a roadside ambush by leftist guerrillas. When his captors sort through their hostages for anyone worth big bucks, they discover Peter's oil-firm connection and spirit him away high into the Andes.

Enter no-nonsense negotiator Terry Thorne (Crowe), who carries his own psychic baggage. He initiates a series of mind games with the revolutionaries, as well as with the increasingly cynical Alice. Meanwhile, Peter is trying to devise an escape.

All three are soon up to their eyeballs in bloodshed and betrayal. And that's when the plot really starts cooking.

Brisk pacing is key, and director Taylor Hackford, who's had more misses than hits since 1982's ``An Officer and a Gentleman,'' delivers. He bounces between Peter's travails and Terry and Alice's efforts to free him. And though some segues are admittedly labored, most work effectively.

While exploring the intricacies of ``K&R (kidnap and ransom) operations,'' Hackford keeps ratcheting up the tension. Best of all, he avoids love-triangle cliches while defining the principals' emotions in a refreshingly low-key fashion.

So how well does the starry-eyed twosome handle on-screen amour? Well, Crowe and Ryan acquit themselves with panache. Since their physical contact is kept to a minimum, each depends on gestures and glances to convey hints of passion. Together, they smolder.

On their own, they're just as commanding. Pulling a 180 after his bigger-than-life ``Gladiator'' and whistle-blowing ``Insider,'' Crowe conveys a mix of authority, swagger and vulnerability. He's never been so appealing.

And Ryan? It's probably her best work. As previously evidenced in ``The Doors'' and ``When a Man Loves a Woman,'' she's got impressive dramatic range. Here, she gracefully dances between tender reveries and tortured soul-searching.

The supporting players are equally solid. David Morse delivers his standard level of excellence as the initially bewildered hostage, while Pamela Reed aces every moment as Peter's annoying but well-intentioned sister. And David Caruso returns from years of post-``NYPD Blue'' obscurity to emerge as a superb character actor in the role of Terry's gung-ho fellow negotiator.

The biggest scene stealer may be the scenery. Despite the plot-driven horrors taking place around each cloud-enshrouded peak, lush valley and gorgeous ravine, the film should do more for Ecuador's tourist trade than a roomful of Frommer guides. Of course, credit also goes to some breathtaking cinematography.

As for the cryptic title, a ``Proof of Life'' is sent to a hostage's family to prove the hostage is alive. In this case, ``Proof'' also verifies that quality filmmaking triumphs over tabloid gossip.

``Proof of Life,'' released by Warner Bros., clocks in at a lengthy 137 minutes. It is rated R for profanity and scenes of torture and battle carnage.

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Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions:

G â€” General audiences. All ages admitted.

PG â€” Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

PG-13 â€” Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.

R â€” Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

NC-17 â€” No one under 17 admitted.