The term eccentric would be an understatement to describe Luzhin, played by John Turturro. He's absent-minded, unreliable and utterly without social graces. He makes Rain Man look like David Niven. Even so, he manages to demolish his much more suave competitors, earn the respect of his peers and even get the girl, played by Emily Watson. Call it revenge of the nerds.
Most chess masters are well-rounded, normal people.
Ironically, real-life interest in the game persists despite the suggestion by both films that the world of chess can turn folks into obsessive oddballs. And chess could only get another boost with another film. Your own email list, discussions, photos, calendar, more. Find Web Sites . Alumni Chapters .