I came out of "A Beautiful Mind" knowing very little about John Nash's mathematical theories. Other than the fact they made a significant impact on economics and game theory, the movie didn't say much. For a movie like this, however, it only seemed appropriate.
"A Beautiful Mind" is a human story about Nobel Prize winner John Nash's struggle with schizophrenia, not an analytical examination of his Nobel Prize-winning ideas.
Some critics have complained the story simplifies the math and glosses over or completely avoids some of the more unsavory aspects of Nash's life. Director Ron Howard and screenwriter Akiva Goldsmith, however, are wise to avoid bogging down the plot with complex equations and frivolous details.
They were more than content leaving that to Sylvia Nasser, who wrote the book on which the movie is based, knowing it would be foolish to explain such concepts in little more than two hours.
The biopic won four Oscars Sunday night, including awards for Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture. Russell Crowe's performance in the film was far more worthy of an Academy Award than his turn in "Gladiator," for which he won last year's Best Actor statuette.
If there were much justice in the movie industry, Oscar voters would have waited until this year to honor him. Then again, he didn't have to compete with Denzel Washington last year.
Nash, as portrayed by Crowe, is not a very likable character. He is an awkward, arrogant recluse who tries to pick up women by asking them if they want to cut to the chase and exchange fluids. Near the beginning of the movie he even admits, "I don't much like people and they don't much like me."
He generally shuns human relationships in his pursuit of a single perfect, original idea, which eventually wins him the Noble Prize. He's a man driven mad by his work.
Yet Crowe successfully endears Nash to audiences. He is able to navigate the cocky exterior and the clutter of his mind to demonstrate a love for his wife, his profession and for his life.
Crowe showcases Nash as a simple human being. Even his intelligence can't prevent his mind from rotting away. His spirit, however, is strong enough that he literally stares down his demons through sheer will power.
The chemistry between Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, who won the award for Best Supporting Actress Sunday as Nash's supportive wife Alicia, is the key to "A Beautiful Mind's" strength.
Connelly creates just the right amount of tension to make her frustration clear during Nash's schizophrenic episodes without diminishing the empathy she feels. Alicia is attracted to the very qualities that might repulse others, such as the manic hand gestures and mannerisms, the shyness and his uncompromising work ethic.
The movie toys with the audience's perceptions to weave a picture of mental illness. Not everything is what it appears to be. The concept could be more cleverly executed, but Ron Howard's warm approach to filmmaking complements the movie's chilling subject matter well.
"A Beautiful Mind" is a movie that looks beyond simple mechanics and cold logic. It is a tale of triumph that showcases the beauty of the human condition instead of lingering or gawking at the darkness of adversity.
Write to Robert at rclopez@bsu.edu
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