A BEAUTIFUL MIND
Released: December 21, 2001
Russell Crowe is not known for treating his acting choices lightly. As a result, he jumps into the deep end of whatever role he tackles -- literally becoming the character. From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, Crowe's character - the real life John Forbes Nash, Jr. experienced it all. A mathematical genius, he made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery. After many years of struggle, he eventually triumphed over his tragedy, and finally - late in life - received the Nobel Prize. He accomplished all this through years of suffering from schizophrenia. He didn't come through all on his own however. His dedicated wife Alicia Nash (played by the beautiful Jennifer Connelly - who could finally get her star turn after over fifteen years in Hollywood) helped him keep his balance and never lost faith in him. It's hard to tell what is real or what is the creation of Nash's mind as we journey into his life. That's clearly how someone suffering from schizophrenia must feel on a daily basis I imagine. Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer and Judd Hirsch plus a variety of excellent support roles bring this movie up to a level not seen in a Ron Howard directed movie in years and years. Crowe shines as the troubled genius and could win another Oscar based on this role.
134 Minutes
Universal/DreamWorks SKG