By Andrew Gans
28 Sep 2004

The release of the Miramax film of "Proof" — based on the Tony-winning play of the same name — may be delayed.

The New York Times reports that "Proof" and "An Unfinished Life," another Miramax motion picture, may not be released until next year's Cannes International Film Festival. The speculation comes after Miramax's layoff of 55 employees last week. About the upcoming films, Miramax spokesperson Matthew Hiltzik told the Times, "As always, we'll evaluate the situation and do what's best for the films."

The movie of David Auburn's Proof features a screenplay by Auburn and Rebecca Miller. Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow heads the cast as Catherine, a woman who may or may not be as mathematically gifted as her troubled genius of a father. The other central characters are played on screen by Jake Gyllenhaal (Hal), Anthony Hopkins (Robert) and Hope Davis (Claire).

John Madden directed the film. Madden also directed Paltrow in the London engagement of the play at the Donmar Warehouse.

Proof opened at Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre on Oct. 24, 2000, playing 916 performances before closing Jan. 5, 2003. The original cast included Mary-Louise Parker, who won a Tony Award for her performance; Larry Bryggman; Johanna Day; and Ben Shenkman. Under the direction of Daniel Sullivan, the production also won the 2001 Tony Award for Best Play as well as the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.