Extraordinary

Rating: 8/10 (15 October 2009)

I have not read the book, and I had not even heard of the people it revolves around. Therefore I cannot compare the events depicted with reality, though I understand that this takes liberties, and allows itself a lot of dramatic license. I have wanted to watch this for as long as I have known it existed. When I finally got a chance to, I was delighted to find that it was every bit as amazing as I had hoped. I will not reveal a lot of the plot... and I urge you, if you do not know much about Nash or what happens in this, *please* do what you can to keep it that way until you have seen this. What I will say is that the protagonist here is a mathematical genius. The acting is simply astonishing. I would list the superb performers, but I'd wind up including everyone. They are simply flawless. Two that must not go unmentioned are Russell and Connelly, both of whom deliver a powerful and unforgettable portrayal of their respective roles. The characters are well-written and credible. This is impeccably well-written and psychologically accurate. The plot is interesting and develops marvelously throughout. I could not take my eyes off this for a single moment at any point. The pacing is spot-on. This is brilliantly directed, though I cannot specify why without spoiling it, and I intend this, as all my reviews, to be open to anyone. If you are not certain what I am referring to after a viewing, feel free to contact me and I will tell you. The music is excellent and fitting. This has incredible production values, and deserves every award it won. There is some rather disturbing content, a little violence and occasional, moderately strong language. The 2-Disc Award Edition DVD comes with 2 interesting and funny commentary tracks(one with Howard, the other with Goldsman), 27 minutes of deleted(at times incomplete) scenes with optional thoughts by Ron, various informational featurettes(four of which have pages here on the site, and I will review them separately), footage of the receiving of prizes, a theatrical trailer and a commercial for the soundtrack. I recommend this to anyone who can handle what I've just described as being in this film, and who is mature enough to appreciate it. 8/10