Review of A Beautiful Mind (2001) by Isaac A — 29 Jun 2011

Based on the true story of genius mathematician John Nash, "A Beautiful Mind" is a compelling drama film by Ron Howard starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, and Jennifer Connelly. The film basically centers on Nash, and it's through his discoveries in tracking a and breaking codes that we see just how convoluted the mystery in "A Beautiful Mind" really is.

Because the story is fairly simple, the film relies on good directing techniques and sharp performances to carry it. Crowe does a hell of a job. And it is a crime he did not win the Oscar--even though it had it been a year after "Gladiator.

"The depth he adds to Nash just by sitting and staring into space, or walking with a gimp-like crawl, or lets not forget that western accent he put on so well. Crowe's performance is what made and, often, saved the movie.

There are a few scenes where you can' quite pin-point what it is that's going on, and when you learn of the real tragedy, all of what you just saw feels like recycled drama almost--but, it's not.

And again that's because the film survives so well due to Crowe you can actually feel your in is mind on a couple of scenes. You feel his frustration, especially in scenes with Connelly, who he marries in the film.

The lack of enthusiasm to be a parent Crowe displays, a scene shows him sitting morosely with the baby crying and screaming in his arms. It's quite sad, and it's the moments like that of this film that make it unique, and also the fact that it's based on a true story.

I think "A Beautiful Mind" is both Howard and Crowe's best, and deserves all the acclaim it received. It's a touching and overall enjoyable film, with the same sort of heart past Academy Award winners had such as "Rain Man" or "American Beauty.

"-- one of the better films of the first half of the 2000s.