A Beautiful Mind

Ron Howard, 2001 (135 mins, Cert. PG)

Based loosely on Sylvia Nasar's acclaimed biography, this is a compelling look at one man's genius, his debilitating illness, and the fine line between the two. Mathematician John Forbes Nash (Russell Crowe) is chosen for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which includes crucial code-breaking work for the US government. There he meets the beautiful and brilliant student, Alicia (Jennifer Connelly). They marry, but their happiness is threatened as Nash, belatedly diagnosed as schizophrenic, descends into madness.
(Playhouse Publicity)

To me, having not read Nasar's biography of Nash, this was a moving and insightful depiction of a man battling with mental illness. The effects of schizophrenia ring chillingly true as we see much of the film through Nash's eyes and only later on do we get a more detached view of what was "really" happening. In one respect I did find the film flawed: it didn't give a strong enough impression of the successful work that Nash produced after returning to Princeton. We are told at the end that he's had a glittering career and achieved the ultimate level of respect and honour but it seems to come out of nowhere. However, in dealing with the man and his struggles to master his own wayward mind it's touching and believable.
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Tuesday, 23rd July, 2002 (Harlow Playhouse)