Yet another triumph over adversity tale

Rating: 7/10 (3 March 2002)

'A Beautiful Mind' tells the real-life story of mathematics professor and genius John Nash who also suffers from schizophrenia. Included in this account is John's time spent at Princeton University where he chooses to skip classes entirely in pursuit of an original idea with which to make his name. Thus, we see John spending much of his time scribbling complex mathematical formulae on the windows of his room and the university library.
Despite his illness, John's work eventually results in him being awarded the Nobel Prize. After leaving Princeton, he accepts a couple of assignments which involve code breaking for the government, one of these being provided by the mysterious Parcher (Ed Harris). As he undertakes this assignment, John is filled with paranoia as his condition of schizophrenia becomes more apparent to his wife (Jennifer Connelly) and the audience.
Although 'A Beautiful Mind' doesn't make for light entertainment, there is some humour to be found. John's lack of social skills is evident in the way he handles women and his frankness in confessing to them that he would like to undertake intercourse as soon as possible as part of his chat up is quite endearing. John's room mate Charles also provides welcome comic relief in the film's few lighter moments.
One downside of the story telling in the film is the skipping of several years at a time which may leave you wondering what's been missed out in the account of this man's life (the upside is that the passing of time is accompanied by very convincing make-up!). The end of the film seems a little rushed in the way John seems to make remarkable progress in his recovery and the fact that his wife sticks by him during his prolonged mental illness is a little unconvincing.
A film dealing with mental illness is never going to be comfortable viewing but the fact that the film is based on a true life story does make it fascinating to watch. What impressed me the most is the first class acting on display: the two leads Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly produce engaging and Oscar-worthy performances which are at times heartbreaking. In fact, Crowe could quite possibly be the new Tom Hanks in his ability to gain yet another Oscar nomination.