An important message that many may miss

Rating: Null/10 (26 January 2002)

NOTE: Possible Spoiler!!!!
"A Beautiful Mind" has been reviewed thoroughly enough by others before me, so I want to focus on two aspects that made an impact on me, which I have *not* seen mentioned in the reviews.
First, that the movie accurately depicts the social discomfort of many high IQ individuals. I have worked with many certified geniuses over the years, and can say with confidence that many, many of them are uncomfortable with people and eventually become anti-social. They are treated as "different" from the start and they never feel they "fit in". By the beginning of the movie, John Nash has already given up on trying to fit in. He knows that people don't much like him, so he sees no reason to be diplomatic or tactful. It is not conceit. It's often a tradeoff for gifted people - expend a *lot* of effort learning to get along, or direct that effort toward your intellectual pursuits. I thought the subtle remarks that helped define and explain this personality were very insightful - especially when, while sitting on the pond's edge, John explains to Alicia that he is often direct (and often misunderstood) simply because he desires to take the most efficient route to gathering information.
The other (and much more important) issue that is presented is that of John's decision to deal with his illness without medication. There is a pivotal moment in the movie that a lot of people missed, when John decides that with his IQ he might be able to find a way to deal with it "naturally". And he does. He does "something extraordinary". Considering how many times the actors have used that term both in the movie and in interviews, it would seem that more people would "get it". He didn't take "the easy way out". It *is* possible to overcome mental illness without therapy or medication. I have seen it done and it's a thrill to watch as someone beats it by themselves, forever knowing that *they* have control.
Yes, it may take a "most genius" to do this with something as severe as schizophrenia, but regular folks can and do beat anxiety and depression on their own. It's not easy but it's certainly worth it. If this movie can send that message to the world - if enough people just *think* that *maybe* it's possible - it will stand as a society-changing film. Don't miss the message.