Review of A Beautiful Mind (2001) by Luigi A — 04 Sep 2013

Not quite the biopic it set out to be.

A Beautiful Mind is the story of John Forbes Nash Jr. (Russell Crowe), a mathematician searching to create his own unique and original idea. As life goes on Nash settles down with wife Alicia (Jennifer Connelly) and manages to get a job. However, as times passes it becomes clear that Nash's perception of reality is misguided to say the least, leading to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Can he succeed whilst battling such an illness?

Apparently based on a true story and the life of John Nash Jr. when watching A Beautiful Mind you can't help but feel as though you're not watching a biopic but some Hollywood spectacle. If this were a work of fiction, it would be one of the top pieces of storytelling. Furthermore, many aspects of Nash's life are missing from this so-called biopic, such as his divorce and his bisexuality; two major incidents that I'm sure would effect anybodies life, let alone a schizophrenics.

However, this is not to say that there aren't good things in this film. The general acting is very strong with Crowe leading the way with his stunning performance as the schizophrenic Nash, earning him a third straight Oscar nomination. The supporting cast are also in good form especially Paul Bettany as schizophrenic delusion Charles Herman. Furthermore, Jennifer Connelly gives a strong performance as Nash's long-suffering wife, a performance which won her the Oscar in a supporting role.

A very simple drama that does thrill. At times A Beautiful Mind is very entertaining but nothing like the biopic it presents itself to be. Russell Crowe is the films strong point.

J.Henderson.

6.5/10.