“A Beautiful Mind” (2001) – Movie Review

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany

‘Beautiful Biopic’

When it comes to the greatest mathematicians in the world, it’s worth discussing John Nash. A brilliant man with a beautiful mind, Nash left a lasting impact on the world. His scientific theories are regarded highly today. However, Nash suffered from severe mental illness that almost brought his career toward an end. Diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Nash suffered from a severe case of trauma. He faced difficulties telling the difference between hallucinations and reality. Nevertheless, these obstacles didn’t stop him becoming one of the greatest minds of the 20th Century.

Nash’s rise to become a brilliant mathematician that changed mankind is brilliantly depicted in “A Beautiful Mind”. Ron Howard’s Oscar-winning film is a beautiful masterpiece. It features intelligent direction, the cast’s unimaginable talent, and a brilliant storyline. These elements come together effectively to pay tribute towards a legendary figure in history.

Intelligent and smart ‘stuff’ isn’t seen every day in film, but Howard sure knows how to get the job done. With the outstanding screenplay, it just fit in. Howard expertly uses unreliable narration to capture the delusions of a person with Schizophrenia. His direction was also superb in capturing the harsh realities of mental illness.

The performances are exceptional. Russell Crowe delivers one of his greatest career performances as John Nash. He demonstrates to us what the meaning and purpose of acting really is. It is not easy to portray a person with Schizophrenia, but he pulls it off skillfully. He is brilliant as the suffering John Nash. Connelly is also great, she gives a thoughtful, yet sophisticated performance as his wife. Rest of the cast are always too great; (Bettany and Harris).

Overall, “A Beautiful Mind” is one of the most Oscar deserving Pictures of the century. It is an outstanding combination of ‘out-of-the-world’ direction and acting. It’s also the perfect example of how to make an effective biopic.

At a time when John Nash remains one of the most influential mathematicians in mankind, it’s a beautiful tribute towards a genius with a beautiful mind whose one-of-a-kind theories left a lasting legacy behind.

5/5 stars