Remarkable!

Rating: 10/10 (21 January 2002)

Even before A Beautiful Mind, I admired Jennifer Connelly, especially from Requiem for A Dream. Now I am enamored by her. What a remarkable performance in a truly understated role. From what could have been a shadow dressing performance, Jennifer made her mark from the first scene in Nash's classroom, coming across determined and powerful yet understated, to the last at Nash's acceptance of the Nobel Prize (in heavy makeup to the point you cannot recognize her). The genuine love, adoration and support shines through. Without having seen the movie or listening to Nash's speech, you know why she is there. Playing what I consider emotional courage is difficult. Jennifer has set herself apart from the field.
Oh and that Russell Crowe is not so bad either. Setting aside Proof of Life, Russell has had a remarkable three-year run. From The Insider to Gladiator to A Beautiful Mind, Russell has shown the ease and skill to transforms oneself from character to character. It is astonishing to believe those were all the same person. But that is what an quality actor is supposed to do.

Ron Howard, the fantastical director of such fare as Willow, Cocoon and Splash, has redefined his abilities. Movies with no epic background or splashy effects but simply strong characters and story are perhaps the most difficult to direct. Robert Redford direction of Ordinary People was just the same. The movie is less about Nash's condition than it is about how love makes us crazy and how love heals us all. These can be subtly portrayed issues unless you have the wisdom and eye to protract them. Ron has brought out the best in his performers and brought out the best in John Nash, a man whose accomplishments or name I had never heard. The movie lets you know that you do not have to be crazy to be brilliant. But it helps.
Come Oscar time, expect to hear these names over and over again.