Expertly Crafted, Entertaining Film

Rating: 10/10 (25 March 2002)

It is shameful the way so many people feel it is their duty to nitpick great films, and can only do so by creating a laundry list of other movies they like. This is a wonderful movie, moving and entertaining. How accurate a representation of John Nash it is is totally irrelevant. Movies are an entertainment medium and in that sense, this film is a total triumph.
And it is Russell Crowe's triumph. Crowe is on a role as of late garnering three consecutive Oscar nominations. He clearly won for the wrong film. This role is tour de force. He loses himself so deeply in the character so convincingly that I found myself in his mentally ill world believing everything I experienced.
Ron Howard unfolds this moving brilliantly. I won't give away secrets, but the less you know about it going in the better. This movie does let you into the mind of its lead character and really makes you consider your own perceptions and realities. Are we really here? Am I really typing. Picking apart this film for minute factual content or leaving out alleged details of the main characters sexuality is totally churlish and unnecessary.
See and love this movie. It works completely well as a piece of stand alone fiction inspired by a true story. Jennifer Connelly is stunning as usual (I question an Oscar for her, but she is effective) and there is a brilliant supporting role by the always enjoyable Ed Harris.
A Beautiful Mind will stand in time as a worthy Best Picture. It has all the elements - acting, writing, beautifully filmed, a very unique score and skillful directing. I will own this DVD. **** out of ****