Rated: R
Running Time: 2:25
Tabitha's Rating: *****/5
Synopsis: A mathematical genius struggles with schizophrenia
I was so mad last year when Russell Crowe won an Oscar for Gladiator. Why? For some reason, I really did not like him. After seeing his latest performance as John Nash in A Beautiful Mind, I have completely forgotten what it was I didn't like. Crowe's portrayal of the real life mathematician was truly amazing. His accent, mannerisms, just absolutely everything about his performance was truly incredible. Tom Hanks has got some serious competition. It is my prediction that Russell Crowe could be the third actor in Oscar history to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, two years in a row.
At the story's opening, we are introduced to the unique mind of John Nash. It is the first day of his Princeton education. We see geometrical shapes through his eyes, lines of light that correspond with each other. It is hard to explain, but the scene does an excellent job of showing the audience how Nash' mind works mathematically. John is funny, smart, and admirable in his notion that he will only ever matter if he is able to discover a truly original idea. Finally, he finds it, and he is recognized for it with his choice of careers for anyone. Early in his career, the government comes to him for help in cracking a code, which he is the best at. Soon however, we discover John Nash has schizophrenia, and has three imaginary people who follow him wherever he goes. He is put on medication, but the meds keep him from doing his passion, his work or even making love to his supportive wife. His wife is a truly strong woman, sticking around when most other people would have left long ago. John stops taking his pills, which cause the people from his mind to come back. He becomes determined to solve this problem without the meds. In 1994, as an old man, he is given the Nobel Prize for his original idea he came up with years and years ago at Princeton.
The story is a wonderful one of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, even those of the mind, and living the best you can. The direction of Ron Howard, the actors, the plot, the music, just everything, was superb. I try to see all the movies that are nominated for Oscars so that I can know what's going on come Oscar night. See this movie, it will definately be there.
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