If you can believe it, this is a love story. a maddening and seductive one.

Rating: 9/10 (24 January 2002)

The credits rolled and immediately my inner me said, "Best Picture." I say this a lot, of course, technically I'm allowed to say it five times a year. But I added, "Winner. No doubt" this time around- Never said that before. But, A Beautiful Mind is an Oscar darling. And it's appeal has never been so obvious- Character frailty, heroism, a powerful love story, resonant acting and writing and despite all the backlash from critics and purists regarding it's sexual ambiguity, something Blockbuster can carry. Remember American Beauty, in comparison, had subtle references too (actually to me they were blatant, but hey this is a general forum) and it still snagged the big statue.
Which leaves me to Russell Crowe, whose performance in The Insider was as close to perfect as an actor can get (He 'vus robbed!). Of course, the voters knew their mistake (although it took him a year- see Gladiator- to get it right). To the film: Crowe's versatility simply baffles me here, once again, reaching deep within who knows where to become the math genius and Nobel Prize- winning John Nash. His preparation has to be extremely unique to continually put forth this much passion into each role. I'd love to know what he does- anyone?
The film doesn't work, though, without Jennifer Connelly. As Nash's wife, she provides a potent chemistry with Crowe and an energetic calm that slowly creeps up on you. Not sure how, but I swear she steals some scenes away from Russy- but that's real, real chemistry folks, not the Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks kind. Anyway, all the sudden, after all the math wizardry, the psycho-babble and surprises (everyone knows this about a schizophrenic I'm sure, but there is an awesome shocker in here too) you come to realize. damn this is a love story!
Thus, we steer are way to the captain of the ship. Ron Howard's direction here is, again, impressive- almost seducing you into understanding and thinking along with Nash's motives and emotional battles with himself and his relationships- the will-he or won't-he's are jarring and paradoxal, fun and draining all at once. A Beautiful Mind is by far Howard's most complete and compelling work as well as his most important. Of course, he's working with talented actors who helped drive the films dramatic and emotional ranges. and a solid script. or should I say book. I'm not completely sold on Howard as a great director. I believe most of his films are largely in the IMDB 6-7 range, but this is definitely one that he deserves a 9 for. How much all this praise and these awards to come are a credit to him remains to be seen. Either way, A Beautiful Mind is a beautiful and unique love story. It shouldn't be missed by anyone.