Mathematics can be a beautiful thing

Rating: 10/10 (28 December 2001)

Boy, if Russell Crowe doesn't win his second consecutive Oscar
for best picture for this movie, I don't know what will. He is truly
mesmerizing here as John Nash, the brilliant mathematician who
slowly descended into the pit of schizophrenia in the prime of his
career. Every mannerism, facial tic, shuffling walk, and
stammering comment rings true. **mild spoiler coming** And that
scene in his backyard garage with his wife (without giving too
much away) really freaked me out, somewhat akin to when they
find that body in Se7en. **end spoiler**. Jennifer Connelly, the
babe of all babes, is merely beautiful here as the wife who stands
by him through all the tough times. Of course, there are the
obligatory Hollywood minutes which will have the sentimental
reaching for their hankies. This movie isn't without its faults--I had
a tough time believing that people can just "ignore" their delusions
and thus control their schizophrenia, but hey, this movie far
surpasses much of the drivel I've seen this year, and I think the
Academy will agree with me next March.