A thing of beauty indeed! Simply amazing!

Rating: 10/10 (25 December 2001)

Simply beautiful!!! This film is without a doubt one of the best I've ever seen! I was treated to a preview of this beautiful film in advance of its opening. Like some of the others who have submitted reviews here, I too was completely thrown off by the trailer for the film. I expected to find a mediocre love story taking place in the midst of some kind of quasi-thriller. Boy was I in for a surprise! This movie delivers on so many levels. It was indeed a thriller (although of a different sort)...and also delivered as a love story on several levels. Yes, the beautiful and talented Mr. Crowe affects what was in my opinion a convincing enough West Virginia accent, but more mind blowing was seeing him adapt his mannerisms, posture, and gait to the various ages, and stages, of Mr. Nash's life. His performance was brilliantly subtle, yet right on the money. What more can I say? The man is a truly amazing actor! Truly gifted! As for other aspects of the film...there are those who find Ron Howard's style of directing to be somewhat heavy handed in attempting to extract emotions from the moviegoer - I don't necessarily share that opinion. I prefer to think that his films are imbued with "heart." I enjoy his work, and I feel that this film especially was directed with a truly artistic touch. I never felt as though I'd been manipulated. On the contrary, I felt as though I'd had the privilege of being allowed on a very special and exclusive journey, and found the experience uplifting. The film allows the viewer to peer into a great mind gone haywire...and to watch him use his genius to put it back together again. It allows us to share in some of the challenges and uncertainty which exist in the daily lives of those who have a loved one with this type of illness. To see Mr. Crowe's oh so subtle, very realistic, portrayal not only of what a schizophrenic experiences mentally - but how he appears to those watching from the outside...well, this was truly awesome! He masterfully avoided going overboard with the role. Playing John Nash with quiet dignity...not at all over the top. Both Mr. Crowe and Ms. Connelly bring tremendous honesty to their roles. I was truly impressed seeing the love, the resoluteness, and at the same time the weariness that settles in under such circumstances on a long suffering mate, all flawlessly portrayed by Jennifer Connelly. She took us through the gamut of emotions that Alicia Nash must have experienced. In the "first date" scenes, Ms. Connelly is a vision, and throughout the film she is the embodiment of grace and beauty. Also worth mentioning, Ed Harris turns in yet another solid performance as the very creepy government agent. Paul Bettany is a real scene stealer as Nash's roommate and confidant. The score is simply beautiful and sets the proper mood at all times. The film is visually stunning. I can't see how this film won't snag Academy Award nominations all around, but especially for Russell Crowe and for Jennifer Connelly. Crowe should definitely take home another Oscar for this one! Please! Do yourself a favor and see this film if you haven't already...and if you have then see it again - I just did!