Recommendation: 8.1/10
Watchability: 9.6/10
Every time I watch this film, I think of my middle school math teacher, who was also my homeroom teacher. He often spoke about the mathematical genius John Nash Jr., who saved the global economy by writing mathematical formulas on his window. I'm not sure if John Nash was his idol (as he frequently mentioned the greatness of Pythagoras), but from his tone, I could tell he respected him greatly. He also recommended that I watch the biographical film 'A Beautiful Mind' about John Nash, and I must say this is the most beautiful biographical film I've ever seen, just like its title suggests about having a beautiful mind.
The story structure of 'A Beautiful Mind' is quite similar to 'The Theory of Everything.' To be precise, 'The Theory of Everything' is quite like 'A Beautiful Mind' because 'A Beautiful Mind' was released in 2001, while 'The Theory of Everything' came out in 2014. Both films depict genius individuals suffering from illnesses; one is Stephen Hawking with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the other is John Nash with paranoid schizophrenia, both accompanied by strong women, their remarkable wives, yet their illnesses create tension in their marriages.
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Although 'A Beautiful Mind' does not surpass 'The Theory of Everything' in terms of romance, it seems Ron Howard (the director of 'A Beautiful Mind') chose to focus more on the marriage between John Nash and his wife Alicia Nash, leaving out their love story after they met. This decision by Ron Howard was quite successful because it is this third act that elevates the film's quality.
Jennifer Connelly, playing Alicia Nash, is no longer just a decorative role in 'A Beautiful Mind.' Just like Demi Moore in this year's 'The Substance,' it serves as a proof of breaking through one's limitations. Connelly portrays a woman overwhelmed by everything so passionately; in one of her lines in the film, she says: "I often think... sometimes I feel it’s an obligation, sometimes I feel guilty for wanting to leave him, and at times I feel angry at John and God, but... when I look at him and think of him as my prince charming, he gradually changes into the one I deeply love, and I become someone who loves him deeply, but that is enough." This line captures Alicia Nash's struggles and great love, which I guess reflects the feelings of those lovers who quietly stand by the ill.
The climax of the third act adds suspense after revealing John Nash's paranoid schizophrenia, creating an atmosphere similar to 'Shutter Island' and '12 Monkeys,' where the audience, like John Nash, cannot distinguish between reality and illusion. Personally, I really enjoy this kind of suspense where the director plays around with the audience; it's quite fun.
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I find it unfortunate that Russell Crowe, who played John Nash, lost the Oscar for Best Actor to Denzel Washington Jr. for 'Training Day' (again, you Denzel Washington, My Man~). Seriously, I am also a fan of Denzel Washington, but I can't bear to see such a talented actor overshadowed by Denzel's charm. Perhaps both 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'Training Day' are breakthrough works for them, but you can see the difference: in 'A Beautiful Mind,' you would say: "I can’t believe that’s Russell Crowe; he’s so good!" Whereas in 'Training Day' you would say: "Oh! That’s Denzel Washington; he’s really good!"
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Denzel Washington is indeed a great actor; you can see his sincerity and naturalism. However, his strong charm allows you to see him as Denzel Washington, rather than the character. For me, an actor who cannot be recognized as themselves is the true talent, just like Daniel Day-Lewis in 'There Will Be Blood,' Philip Hoffman in 'Boogie Nights,' Christian Bale in 'American Psycho,' Heath Ledger in 'Brokeback Mountain,' and so on.
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Of course, Russell Crowe is also one of those I mentioned. I remember once going to see him in 'Unhinged' with a friend; it was an entertaining film, and you could say Russell Crowe made this movie quite engaging. It’s one of the scariest roles I’ve ever seen. His neurosis, obsession, rage, and murderous intent are all perceptible in his eyes. Plus, he has a massive physique and an intimidating large truck, making it feel like being chased by a bear in the woods. I’m starting to wonder if Russell Crowe is like that in real life; every scene of that movie was so crazy.
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I digressed. You might say that the makeup in 'A Beautiful Mind' makes Russell Crowe look quite unlike himself. However, I was already amazed by his performance in the first act, so I don’t see this as an issue, but the makeup was indeed very realistic, especially the aging effects: "Is this the same person?" Another pity is that they lost the makeup award to 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.' I can’t argue against that; this film truly has the wrong release year.
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'A Beautiful Mind' is unparalleled in terms of story, acting, makeup, and soundtrack. Although I haven't explored its authenticity, I just want to focus on the film itself rather than the reality; I don’t want to disturb this beautiful mind.