Excellent, Oscar worthy performances.

Rating: 10/10 (14 January 2002)

I think this movie will be the one Ron Howard will be remembered for. His use of lighting and visual special effects sets the mood for John Nashs battle with schizophrenia. I've always considered Howard a great director, but one that was limited to testosterone flics like Ransom, Apollo 13, or Backdraft. This movie can almost be considered a low budget, or independent film. Russell Crowe delivers an Oscar caliber performance as the tortured Nash; head and shoulders above his Gladiator role. Crowe gives in completely to the Nash character. Jennifer Conelly is excellent as Nashs wife Alicia. The last I saw her she was flaunting for the camera in "Inventing the Abbotts." Her performance is also Oscar worthy. Hopefully, this part will lead to more roles. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, which is somewhat predictable, and doesn't really have any surprises, but nevertheless completely sucked me in. It's probably the best film I've seen this year; but it's only January. It's well worth the time and money.