Lesser Than the Sum of Its Parts

Rating: 7/10 (11 February 2002)

As a critic and student of film myself, my first look at the poster for this film brought mixed emotions: directed by Ron Howard (yes!), written by Akiva Goldsman (oh no!)
A simple glance at Mr. Goldsman's filmography gives a very nice look at a list of movies that range from the non-threateningly mediocre ('A Time to Kill'), to the atrociously horrible ('Batman and Robin,' 'Lost in Space'). I looked forward to this film with the sort of morbid curiosity one usually reserves for a pet with a terminal illness.
The film is not at all horrible. On the contrary, about 70-75% of it is quite good. Ron Howard remains one of the most talented directors of our time, and Russell Crowe gives an outstanding, nuanced performance. Also, there are charismatic and enjoyable performances from supporting players Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris and Paul Bettany.
Despite the best efforts of the supporting players, however, none of them really have much to work with. Ed Harris almost does, but by the time Goldsman yanks the rug out from under Nash (and the viewer) halfway through the film, I developed an animosity toward 'A Beautiful Mind' that I never recovered from.
Howard does wonderful visual work, as does cinematographer (and Coen Brothers staple) Roger Deakins. Relating the unique, ulrta-logical way Nash's mind works is no easy task, and Howard rises to it.
The mediocre writing, however, does nothing more than tell a good story badly, and I don't think Howard's visual flare ever makes up for it. I'm all good and happy that Goldsman saw "Fight Club," but he's not nearly as talented as anyone involved with that film will ever be.
Note to the viewer-- when Christopher Plummer shows up, do yourself a favor: get up, leave, take a bathroom break, or fast forward about 20 minutes into the future. This bungled plot device fails, but the rest of the film is really about an A-minus.
Ultimately flawed, but a nice homage to the real John Nash. If those who knew him liked the film, then what else is there to say?