A Beautiful Mind

UK Release Date: 22 February 2022

Certification: 12

Director: Ron Howard

Cast: Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Russel Crowe, Adam Goldberg, Ed Harris, Josh Lucas, Christopher Plummer

Rating: 76%

'The only thing greater than the power of the mind is the courage of the heart'

Review:

Some mesmerising performances are at the heart of the film. Russel Crowe plays Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. John Nash. It's a beautiful performance (pun intended) that encapsulates the sheer intelligence of Nash whilst also bring a sense of vulnerability to the role that makes him easy to empathise with. However, he's outdone by Jennifer Connelly who won an academy award for her performance. Her performance feels so personal due to her love and care for her husband. She firstly, helps Nash discover who he truly is and later on helps him rediscover that during his most challenging period dealing with paranoid schizophrenia. The supporting cast are all up to standard as well. Paul Bettany, Ed Harris and Christopher Plummer are great but I was especially impressed with Josh Lucas. His performance was intimate, displaying the unconditional love for John Nash. 

The plot is the most contradictory element of A Beautiful Mind. For the first hour of the film the story being told is quite basic and, in all honesty, a little boring but following the plot twist the whole dynamic flips on it's head. A Beautiful Mind quickly becomes an intriguing study of schizophrenia through the eyes of a mathematical genius. It never feels disused or disrespectful but is instead tackled with extreme care. It's a clever decision from Ron Howard, one that can further appreciated through numerous rewatches. 

James Horner provides the film with a delightful score that compliments the whole feel of A Beautiful Mind. 'A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics' is the perfect culmination of the film bringing a peaceful and serine piece clouded by some subconscious demons. 'Looking for the Next Great Idea', 'Creating "Governing Dynamics"' and 'All Love Can Be' are all great as well if not quite as good. 

Did A Beautiful Mind merit the Oscar for best picture? In a year that saw Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Black Hawk Down, I'm not too sure but with some delightful performances and an interesting premise I thoroughly enjoyed A Beautiful Mind.