When I decided to write about ‘A beautiful mind’ I found it difficult to try and discuss a movie without giving away the entire plot; I therefore have only delved slightly into the plot as I feel it is important to watch the movie to get the full effect of the movie without knowing the plot first.
John Forbes Nash Jr still walks the campus at Princeton University (New Jersey USA) and still teaches classes. On a recent visit I was privileged to see the University, which boasts many great geniuses including the venerable Einstein; unfortunately on this occasion John Forbes Nash Jr was not around.
Nash’s expertise in mathematics and the application of this to game theories has earned Nash a Nobel Prize. What makes this more incredible is that throughout his life, Nash has been suffering schizophrenia.
‘A Beautiful Mind’ is Ron Howard’s portrayal of this enlightening, sad and wonderful real life story. Starring Russell
Crowe (Gladiator) as Nash, and Jennifer Connelly (Labyrinth) as his wife, this portrayal puts you inside Nash’s schizophrenia very cleverly allowing you to see the enormity of the disease and the effect it has on his pregnant wife (Howard cleverly tricks you with a believable story – based on the actual delusions of Nash – and then tears your world apart); the symptoms only become evident when his wife is pregnant although the delusions exist during college years and their courtship.
The story deals with the complexities involved both for a man who is considered a muddling, bumbling fool who somehow conquers his delusions to become a great mathematician, and also deals with the strength and humanity of his friends and wife who are perhaps most effected by the delusions and yet stick by him perhaps due to the fact that there is a faint light or goodness evident in Nash.
We first begin to see the signs of delusion early on when Nash loses a game of ‘Go’; his suggestion that a game is flawed rather than accepting that he is not perfect underlines the fact that he has problems. Nash is generally unsociable although at times, especially when dealing with women, is able to talk but mostly is too ‘direct’. It is thus surprising that he is able to court and win the heart of his wife.
As the movie moves along we find ourselves twisted as the movie takes a surprising and swift turn, both stunning you and also making you realize how real this disease is; we find that we gain much empathy for Nash as we see his struggle to control and fight the disease and gain a lot of respect and sympathy for his struggling wife.
Russel Crowe’s performance is stunning; having seen video footage of Nash it is amazing how Crowe has encapsulated much of what Nash is all about; we see all his mannerisms perfectly portrayed including the use of his hands; his portrayal of a man with schizophrenia is somehow sad and yet enlightening – he manages to draw you into the character gaining your sympathy and somehow also your trust. I haven’t seen Denzel Washington’s performance yet so I cannot comment on whether Crowe should have won an Oscar or not.
Jennifer Connelly is also excellent in her supporting role as Nash’s wife; her softness and kindness is evident as is her frustration and anger. Her determination to succeed with her family is very evident and is tinged with both sadness and humour. The movie has been very successful and won this years Oscar for Best Movie; having seen most of the films that were considered (and also being an avid Tolkien fan) I must concede that this movie probably just shades the others; this is probably because of the way the movie cleverly draws you into schizophrenia and the rips you apart.
This really is a ‘must-see’ movie as it not only is an exceptional piece of art, with superb performances from Crowe and Connelly, but it is also a powerfully moving and inspirational true story. It is a fast paced movie that will bring a tear to most people’s eyes and also will bring much laughter. Quite simply this is a ‘beautiful’ movie.
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Jul 8th, 2002
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