A Beautiful Intent to Grab some Oscar gold.

Rating: 5/10 (18 March 2002)

As an afterthought to my previous writing, that piece should be seen more as a tribute to a Hollywood anomaly named Russell Crowe and less as a review for "A Beautiful Mind", simply because I don't exactly love the film.
Yes, I can see and admire its craft and its cast' performances are top rated all round. Also, me think its better than 80% of the crap you end up watching anyway. But something cynical in me can't help but suspect the film's true intention - to score some Oscar gold! Thats why it is made within a safe film-making boundary so as not to risk offending the middle-brow majority voters within the Oscar block.
I certainly would have hoped a film on insanity be a little edgier, riskier and perhaps even harbour operatic ambitions(Much like my all time faves, "Magnolia" or "Dancer in the Dark"). But it is just my wishful thinking and of course my views cannot and should not discount your decision in watching this well made film. Go see it and decide for yourself.
An actress of intelligence and intuition, Jennifer Conelly gave an equally outstanding turn as the strong and loving wife to Russell's madman persona. Without her able supporting performance and anchoring presence, the intensity of Russell's portrayal would not have soared the way it did. After being neglected for her overly qualified performance, in last year's "Requiem for a dream"(where she was butt-f**ked, seriously!), those Oscar folks should be summarily castrated if they don't give her due acknowledgement this year.
In line with my being the source of all useless knowledge, just in case you are wondering, the infamous poem being cut out from Russell Crowe's BAFTA awards ceremony is titled "Sanctity" by Patrick Kavanagh. Below its full, surgically re-attached glory: "To be a poet and not know the trade/To be a lover and repel all women/Twin ironies by which great saints are made/ The agonizing pincer jaws of heaven."
Have a Nice Day then.