Bettany Steals the Show

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2006)

Now I'll admit I'm not the biggest Russell Crowe fan in the world, although he has been in two great films that I have seen, Gladiator... and this. A Beautiful Mind is a very enjoyable and involving drama, with many excellent turns from it's cast.
Ron Howard could have one of the most sporadic directorial filmographies ever, featuring utter rubbish, such as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas and EdTV, great films like Parenthood and Apollo 13, and then cult classics Willow and Cocoon. A Beautiful Mind will no doubt go down as one of his best ever efforts, which is well-directed with eye-pleasing art direction and excellent cinematography.
The film has a good story, and Crowe plays the part well enough. However, for me it is his co-stars who really make the experience enjoyable, with specific nods to Labyrinth star Jennifer Connoly, Wimbledon's Paul Bettany, and of course the legendary Ed Harris. I found myself just as moved by the side-story of Bettany's character as the story of our leading man.
This film has helped further Bettany's career, and shows hope for all involved that they can go on to work on equally interesting and enjoyable projects. I only fear for Howard that he has raised the bar for himself so high that he will never meet it again. Let's see what he has to offer after the upcoming potential landmine of the Da Vinci Code.