A Beautiful Mind [M]

John Nash is an eager and astonishingly brilliant mathematician, on the brink of international acclaim. But suddenly, he becomes entangled in a mysterious and dangerous conspiracy involving secret militant operations that threaten not only his life, but those of his family as well. With fear and doubt haunting John at every turn, it now falls to his devoted wife, Alicia, to help pull him through this dark tunnel and make him see that beneath the cloud of fear there is a beautiful mind that can triumph. 

The winner of four Academy Awards in 2001 including that of Best Picture, A Beautiful Mind is a magnificent film that tells a gripping and breathtaking story of courage, talent, and strength of mind. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, it will change your life and broaden your mind. 

John Nash is an eager and astonishingly brilliant mathematician, on the brink of international acclaim. But suddenly, he becomes entangled in a mysterious and dangerous conspiracy involving secret militant operations that not only threaten his life, but those of his family as well. With fear and doubt haunting him at every turn, it now falls to his devoted wife, Alicia, to help pull him through this dark tunnel and make him see that beneath that cloud of fear and uncertainty, there is a truly beautiful mind that can and will triumph. 

I will admit that this film is a little slow to begin with. It’s not until you’re an hour into it that you really become involved and engrossed in what is happening and where the story could possibly be heading. What keeps you engaged for all that time is the dazzling performances from the film’s cast, in particular, that of Russell Crowe. 

Now, I have no shame in admitting that Russell Crowe is another actor who’s bandwagon I have never jumped on. I do not, by any means, deny that he is a versatile and very talented actor, but there is just something about him that repels me. I honestly don’t know what the deal is; it’s probably just a weird personality thing. BUT, watching him as the protagonist in this film… oh my goodness… SO moving! SO memorable. SO stunning! Although for a fair portion of the time, he didn’t open his mouth wide enough for coherent dialogue to escape it, but what is mere dialogue when actions and features can speak just as forcibly? Russell delivered an amazing performance that was fearful, uncertain, vulnerable, but aggressive when he needed to be. I found him incredibly moving and breathtakingly heartfelt. 

Jennifer Connelly stars as Alicia, Nash’s wife, and her performance was just dazzling. She provided the film with its drama and conflict, which played wonderfully against Crowe’s wit, intellect, and “reality” (the “bunny-rabbit ears” are to give you a hint as to what sort of conflicts this film involves, without giving too much away). Jennifer’s performance was movingly frustrated, devoted, romantic, and tragically conflicted; a mesmerising performance. 

Starring Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer, Josh Lucas, Anthony Rapp, and Paul Bettany, A Beautiful Mind was a mesmerising film that was filled with problems, answers, drama, wit, heart, romance, and courage. 

Oh, and I should give the people in makeup a special mention and congrats because the makeup at the end of the film was amazing! Seriously, it took me a while to recognise Jennifer; I practically did not recognise her at all. Well done everything involved in that! 

Winner of four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, it’s a truly beautiful film that really should not be missed.