A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Ron Howard

Cast: Russell Crowe (John Nash), Ed Harris (Parcher), Jennifer Connelly (Alicia Nash), Paul Bettany (Charlie)
Runtime: 134 min
Country: USA
Language: English

Review © 2002 Branislav L. Slantchev

Ron Howard never fails to disappoint. As far as I could tell, the only "facts" that the movie borrowed from Nash's life were that he went to Princeton, was very smart, invented something that revolutionized economics, had schizophrenia, and won the 1994 Nobel. Why the movie chose to make a melodrama out of his life is beyond me. Even if it were not about Nash, the story in the movie would not have held up on its own. I swear that if I see one more "Love Conquers All" bullshit, I will renounce the gods of Hollywood for ever. Naturally, this crap is bound to win a dozen Oscars... at least.

Before someone flames me for "not getting" the brilliant director's statement, let me tell you that I do too "get it." Yes, it was an attempt to show schizophrenia, and how it can affect both the sick person and those around him. The film was actually quite good at that, especially the truly excellent moment when Nash lunges at Alicia in an attempt to save her from Parcher, a violent act that appears to her as a brutal attack.

My problem is that there was so much more from Nash's life that Howard could have used with greater success. Take, for example, Nash's biographical statement for the Nobel. In it, he quite unequivocally states that it is better to be a mad somebody that a sane nobody. How many would agree with this doubtless selfish statement that disregards just about everyone around him? How many would prefer to live out their lives in unnoticed quiet? And how many would rather live a few glorious years, and then come what may?

While the movie portrayed a man overcoming the symptoms of his illness through sheer willpower and a rational (!?) refutation of its phantom reality (helped along in no small measure by his wife), the real story is much more gripping, for it portrays a man, who accepts that in order to be around others, he has to act in certain ways, and cannot afford to believe in what his mind tell him to. It is a cautious acceptance for it not only makes him acceptable, but also robs him of his brilliant creativity that revolutionized many modern sciences.

The acting was incredible. Both Crowe and Connelly deserve Oscars.

February 11, 2002