Superb representation of mental illness

Rating: 8/10 (5 December 2005)

The film is a little flawed here and there to my mind, such as when he pushes the desk out of his window (with his imaginary friend) and it seems that any subsequent inquiries by the authorities do not alert him to the non-existence of his 'friend'. But things like this are just quibbles. The film draws the viewer into what appears to be a plausible 'World of Nash', only for the whole thing to unravel before our eyes, with the realisation that much of what we have seen is mere fantasy. The film is a superb depiction of a very much misunderstood condition and a finely-crafted plea for tolerance. To my mind, the most moving part was the Nobel man deftly steering him into the tea rooms and Nash being presented with pens by his associates. I would never have watched this sort of film if I hadn't been talked into by my son. He's 16. I'm 53.