A Beautiful Mind

directed by Ron Howard

starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly & Christopher Plummer

Based on a true story, A Beautiful Mind centres around an amazingly gifted academic, John Nash, whose genius changed economic theory half way through the twentieth century when he formulated and published his ‘Game Theory’. However, afflicted by a long-time undiagnosed schizophrenic condition, Nash lost a huge amount of time pursuing what he thought was top-secret government work.

After a period of tortuous and debilitating treatment, Nash eventually reached a point of acknowledging his condition and set about finding a solution, a process he described as “a diet of the mind”. This “diet” required Nash to employ his mental ability in choosing to ignore the unreal characters of his schizophrenia whilst continuing to engage in normal society and work at Princeton University.

Wonderfully blended into the story is Nash’s relationship with Alicia, whom he married. Upon her discussing the nature of love, Nash responds to its immeasurable and undefinable qualities with a typically scientific point about choosing to believe certain theories based on evidence and then work within their implications. His response is quite cold, but highlights the tenderness of Alicia, a tenderness which expresses itself in unwavering commitment and love throughout their married life and John’s struggle with schizophrenia.

Awarded the Nobel prize in 1994, Nash speaks of the importance of the relationship between him and his wife and, in a way which contradicts his very scientific way of thinking, says,

“It is only in the mysterious logic of love that any reasonable logic or equation can be found”.

Watching A Beautiful Mind I was stirred by the life and experiences of John Nash combining academic brilliance with such raw, human struggle against schizophrenia and the tension it caused in his marriage and family life. I was warmed by the tender love and patience of Alicia Nash. I found the potentially life-destroying affliction of mental illness disturbing. The film is superbly acted in the lead roles of John and Alicia Nash by Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.

It’s rare that I feel and say this, but this is a brilliant film! If you haven’t seen it, put it top of your list for when you head down to Blockbuster next weekend.