Genres

Visitors Review

bubbernaut 2013-05-21 21:29:03

Good but not great

I am not sure why this won so much praise. Russel Crowe is decentinit. Jennifer Connely a bit better. The story was too Hollywoodromanticized. I wanted more of a documentary, informative, real life typefilm, not a love story.What upset me the most (and this is real nit picking) is that bothCrowe and Connely are waaaay too attractive to be believable. I mean comeon, I have seen pictures of the real John Nash. He is a weird lookingguy.I know dumb ugly guys with just about the same amount of social skillsthatcan get ass. A genious that looks like Russel Crowe can get butt fromotherthan one girl? Sure.All in all, a 6 outta 10. Good, nothing earth shattering and a bitunbelievable and white washed.

Daniel 2013-05-21 06:57:38

outstanding movie!

I thought that this movie was absolutely superb! This movie takes youthrough every emotion, from sympathy to suspicion, from certainty todoubt,from hate to love, and from despair to hope, and then finally leaves youwith a feeling of optimism and amazement. I completely recommend thismoviefor anyone who wishes to see an up-lifting drama that will leave youfeelingfulfilled and astounded.

midnightwhiskers 2013-05-19 13:17:02

bad documentary

When I want to see a bad documentary on the life of a person with mentalproblems, I'll turn on Public Television. Watching the character portrayedby Russel Crowe was painful- granted I'm sure a life like his IS verypainful, but I don't want to spend 8 bucks to sit in a theater and watch it.It wasn't poignant; and it didn't leave me with any insights that haven'tbeen handed to me a million times before. Then again, it was a struggle forme to make it through "Rain Man" too, so keep that in mind.......

Craig 2013-05-19 00:39:07

Powerful

This film has great acting and a riveting story. It's like Rainman for themillenium.An incredible story of love and loyalty by Dr. Nash's wife,Alicia.Take a box of Kleenex.

Quicksand 2013-05-16 15:22:40

Lesser Than the Sum of Its Parts

As a critic and student of film myself, my first look at the poster for thisfilm brought mixed emotions: directed by Ron Howard (yes!), written by AkivaGoldsman (oh no!)A simple glance at Mr. Goldsman's filmography gives a very nice look at alist of movies that range from the non-threateningly mediocre ('A Time toKill'), to the atrociously horrible ('Batman and Robin,' 'Lost in Space'). I looked forward to this film with the sort of morbid curiosity one usuallyreserves for a pet with a terminal illness.The film is not at all horrible. On the contrary, about 70-75% of it isquite good. Ron Howard remains one of the most talented directors of ourtime, and Russell Crowe gives an outstanding, nuanced performance. Also,there are charismatic and enjoyable performances from supporting playersJennifer Connelly, Ed Harris and Paul Bettany.Despite the best efforts of the supporting players, however, none of themreally have much to work with. Ed Harris almost does, but by the timeGoldsman yanks the rug out from under Nash (and the viewer) halfway throughthe film, I developed an animosity toward 'A Beautiful Mind' that I neverrecovered from.Howard does wonderful visual work, as does cinematographer (and CoenBrothers staple) Roger Deakins. Relating the unique, ulrta-logical wayNash's mind works is no easy task, and Howard rises toit.The mediocre writing, however, does nothing more than tell a good storybadly, and I don't think Howard's visual flare ever makes up for it. I'mall good and happy that Goldsman saw "Fight Club," but he's not nearly astalented as anyone involved with that film will ever be.Note to the viewer-- when Christopher Plummer shows up, do yourself a favor:get up, leave, take a bathroom break, or fast forward about 20 minutes intothe future. This bungled plot device fails, but the rest of the film isreally about an A-minus.Ultimately flawed, but a nice homage to the real John Nash. If those whoknew him liked the film, then what else is there to say?

Pro_Surfer_14 2013-05-16 09:04:41

A BEAUTIFUL MOVIE

Well there is one thing to say about 'A Beautiful Mind'PERFECT.Russell Crowe's films are all sophisticated and brilliant (this is his bestyet) and he always has a true depth in his character. He must study hischaracters with absolute focus for months. However this film would not have come off without 'Ron Howard' who directedthis film perfectly.The twist and photography were gracefully written in this masterpiece alongwith the stunning acting from all over, Russell Crowe, Christopher Plummer,Ed Harris, Jennifer Connolly, and Josh Lucas.Year 2001 was the biggest Oscar mistake in history, Best Actor went toDenzel Washington in 'Training Day' which was good; though not nearly asdeserved as Russell Crowe.The trauma that John Nash went through was horrible and disturbing as allshown in 'A Beautiful Mind'.THIS IS A MUST SEE PERFECT MOVIE...............

hughluver13 2013-05-13 11:14:18

Beautiful

So soft and touching is A Beautiful mind. It has it sad and scary momentsbut also has its funny laughing moments. Seeing a world were all you thoughtwas real, was only a dream. Or in John Nash's case, a illusion. Seeing whatis really not there and cannot tell between the real and fake, can be afrightening experience. Living in a world were all your work is a lie, canscare you. Living in a world were no one beleives you, can scare you. ABeautiful Mind was indeed Beautiful, it showed a man's love and desire tolead a life with his wife and to do what he is great at. Seeing numbers ineverything, is amazing. But ignorning things that taunt you, is miraculos.It is hard and makes me understand, what the disease really is. A genius,cursed with a heavy load. Seeing a FBI agent and solving hard riddles thatdo not exist is indeed the brink of life. Showing a woman's compassion tohelp her husband thru this time, is Beautiful. And coming out a victor, iswhat A Beautiful Mind really is.

Loren Diaz 2013-05-13 01:37:21

A beautiful mind

A beautiful mind was an excellent movie.I think Ron Howard made an excellent reproduction of John Nash 's life.He knew who to show to the audience the events in the life of a personwith schizophrenia and how Nash got over his illness. Russell Crowe (John Nash) , Ed Harris (William Parcher), JenniferConnelly (Alicia Lader) , Paul Bettany (Charles Herman), Vivien Cardone(Marcee) , Christopher Plummer (Dr. Rosen), Josh Lucar (Hansen),AdamGoldberg (Sol) , and all the characters made a very good performance.And I know that it was not a easy work for Russell.Howard has to be proud of this film.

willfilmone 2013-04-23 14:47:00

Mental illness- Ron Howard style.

Mental illness has never appeared so snuggly and warm. Watch Russellemote,tics a' flyin! Watch lovely Jennifer Connelly start her descent intoCalista Flockhearts diet zone! Listen to the heart tugging strings as theRonnie Howard team schmaltzes up a good story and makes it all shiny andhappy! The saccharine level was tough, but with enough salt from thepopcorncounter I just about made it through. Never mind that the true story ofthisman is amazing, like Disney before him (and the glowy sitcoms thatinformedhis 'early work') Mr. Howard takes a tough and beautiful story and grindsitdown so that it's almost unrecognizable. Shameful how we eat itup.

Feature Film 2013-04-23 02:09:44

Surprisingly Different 7/10

I just saw Beautiful Mind tonight. I did not know much about to start outwith, as I do with most movies that I end up seeing. I had seen theBeautiful Mind preview on TV, and had herd that it was a good movie.So, after just seeing it, I think it is a good movie and worth seeing. (Ifyou are debating.) The story was a little different from what I thought itwould be, it will surprise you, it did me. This is not a light movie ithasa little bit of a heavy story that will make you thinksome.Ron Howard has done it again! The acting in Beautiful Mind was very goodRussell Crowe played the role well, and I had forgotten that JenniferConnelly was in this movie (very nice performance)I enjoy Beautiful Mind and I think you will too.

Richard Smith 2013-04-17 05:47:29

"A Beautiful Mind" is a terrible thing to waste your time on

I cannot believe the people that rave about this movie. "A Beautiful Mind"is a terrible thing to waste your time on. The movie's direction ismanipulative and the screenplay is horrid. I thought this was suppose tobebased on the true life of John Nash. Didn't his wife divorce him in reallife? Yes, she did. Wasn't Nash a homosexual? (Nash says no, but.) Yeah,right, Mr. Nash. Let's not use truths here let's just make up some stuffthat an audience will like. Well, Hollywood, I might have liked the moviemore if his wife had divorced him or if there was a homosexual tinge to thefilm. I needed to feel for the character and all this character was is ajerk. Hell, he says it himself, "I have a chip on both shoulders". Themovie makes him come off as a womanizing jerk. How can I care about him.Well, because Hollywood says we should feel for him and the media says itisa great film. That's why we like it. Give me a break. I know this daywill never come, but, I sure wish it would, when will people learn to makethere own decisions about movies, music and tv shows, etc. instead ofallowing themselves to be conned into liking something just because themedia says it is good. And, don't get me started on the Academy Awardsbecause all that is now is a popularity contest. The best films or actorsor screenplays, whatever, might get nominated but they don't have a chancein hell winning, ie. "Memento", "Ghost World", "Mulholland Drive",etc.

simondajo 2013-04-16 14:55:32

Reveals common misconceptions about mental illness, in particular schizophrenia, using a brilliant mathematician as a vehicle.

This film is not meant to be a biography; if you want an accuratebiography go read a book...you cannot make a film into abiography. The film does not set out to explain modern theories ofeconomics and quantum physics ( again, find an Idiot's Guide! ). Ihave personal experience of mental illness, and the great worth ofthe film is its focus on the nightmarish experience ofschizophrenia, and the general lack of understanding about it,even in the 21st century; it has more impact as well by showinghow such an illness can possibly destroy the mind of a genius. Ofcourse in addition how it could wreck one's family, relationshipsand career. The film is generally empathetic about how his wifeand close friends stick by him, which is so important, no matterhow scary things can get, and also shows the importance of usingavailable drug therapy. It also demonstrates the ability of thesufferer of this illness to overcome it to the degree of being able tolive a successful life, by acknowledging the illness ( a physicalillness which attacks the brain...I do not like the term mentalillness ), and striving to fight those thoughts and images that youknow are irrational, even though they can be so real. In the film theimaginary characters are more real to the viewers of the film thanthey are to those not close to Nash; thus trying to demonstrate tous the absolute reality of these figures in the mind of the afflictedperson. Throughout his life these "imaginary" characters werealways real, he just chose not to acknowledge them or speak tothem; he had the advantage of being supremely intelligent andunderstanding his disease; and in his final speech he acknowledges mathematics, quantum theory, and his own imagination as part of his make up; he embraces them; they arepart of who is John Nash, thus raising the ever stimulatingquestion of what reality actually is.

PhoenixBlade 2013-04-12 09:47:26

A Beautiful Movie

A Beautiful Mind is definitely a beautiful movie. Please note that when Iconsidering seeing the movie, I raised my expectations considerably. I knewhow great the cast and crew were but was afraid of being sorelydisappointed. Now, as I look back on the movie and some particular scenesall I can say is that there is no excuse for not to buying a ticket andsitting through two and a half hours of one of the most beautifullycrafted,acted and directed movies of all time.A Beautiful Mind tells the story of the 1994 Nobel award winningMathematician professor John Nash (Russell Crowe) since he arrived atPrinceton University until today. Right from the beginning of the movie youunderstand that Nash is different from everyone else, but only abouthalfwaythrough the movie do you understand just how different heis.Russell Crowe is absolutely brilliant as Dr. John Nash and is to be put onan altar somewhere for every other actor to idolize. From the first momentyou first see him in the movie until the ending credits you understand thathe's not Crowe, he's John Nash. Jennifer Connelly is amazing as Alicia, EdHarris is incredible as Parcher and so are all the other actors (especiallyPaul Bettany as Charles!).A word of warning, though, this is one movie that will definitely mess withyour emotions and requires some kind of patience. But believe me, this isone of the most amazing movies ever. It definitely dethroned all my otherfavorite movies, shooting right to the top. If you see one movie this year,make it A Beautiful Mind.

2013-04-11 16:58:46

Phenomenal, deserved every award it was nominated for!

I very very rarely say a movie is perfect, but this is indeed one of those times. Don't let anyone spoil the movie for you, or even give away a bit of the plot, especially if you don't know about John Nash. I went into the theatre knowing only Nash's theories, and was enthralled by the plot which had so many turns I left the cinema questioning my OWN sanity. A Beautiful Mind creates a delicate balance between biography, mathematics, sanity, insanity, comedy, drama, and a bit of love. No element overshadows the others, and the mood can shift so swiftly from a moment of sheer hilarity to a heartstopping dramatic scene. Don't expect a historically accurate biography, don't even expect a detailed look at Nash's life. A number of facts in John Nash's life were intentionally altered for dramatic and commercial reasons. However, Ron Howard's intent is to examine the triumph of man in overpowering his intense schizophrenia without the help of medications, leading to the recovery of life. Russell Crowe is a brilliant (if not at times bumbling) mathematician who can evoke tears and laughter in the same instant. He has set a certain standard for portraying mental illnesses that I doubt any other actor in this century will live up to. Equally as incredible is Paul Bettany (yes, last seen as a nude Geoffery Chaucer in A Knight's Tale) and his portrayal of Charles, one of the figments of Nash's schizophrenia, who reminded me of Charlie from Dead Poet's Society. The balance between Nash and Charles was intricate and astounding in its simplicity. It is utterly unique, challenges both intellect and sanity, and is well worth the $[money] for the video.

2013-04-07 20:39:35

A little silly

*MAJOR, DEVASTATING SPOILERS AHEAD*"A Beautiful Mind" is well-acted and reasonably entertaining, but prettysilly as well. The concept is interesting -- to show us the fascinatingevolution of genius, then sort of pull the rug out from under us and showuswhat happens when a devastating mental illness is brought to bear on theworkings of such genius.My main problem with this movie is the way in which the rug was pulled.Normally, when you have such a plot twist (a la The Sixth Sense), you canre-watch the movie and say, "Oh yeah, it all makes sense now." But withthis piece of cinema, there's no way you could go back to thepre-diagnosisparts of the film and say, Oh yeah, they thought he was crazy. Thereisn'ta single shot of someone looking at him oddly when he is talking to thisimaginary roommate or fictionalized military man. IN FACT, the movie evenflashes "The Pentagon" -- and this early in the film, why would you evenquestion it's NOT the Pentagon? So we are either supposed to believe THATreally happened and his mind created this new character based on thatexperience, or (more likely, since later they imply the government wouldhave no use for him), he made up that whole incident. So I feel like themovie deliberately misled me, rather than allow me to lead myself down awrong path. That's kind of shameful, especially because post-diagnosistheymade such a point of showing how this stuff was reallyfake.The silliest part of the way this movie treated the whole twist was whenhewas finally captured and taken to the hospital. The men from the asylumjust HAPPEN to be dressed up in the same style as the people in hisdreams,and think the best place to take him into custody is while he's giving alecture at the most prestigious university in the country. Right. Then,when they finally nab him, as he's screaming for help and being injected,everyone just stands around watching it and accepting it as if to say,"Well, this looks really wrong, but I guess they know what they'redoing."I would also love to know who called these authorities. His wife had tobeconvinced of his malady, and apparently his associates, who had somethingofa clue of his weirdness, didn't worry enough to alert his wife, which Iwould think would be at least step one before you phone the men insuits.If you aren't such a stickler for detail, though, it's easy to beentertained by this. Another fine performance from Russell Crowe and somestunning-in-spots scenes from Jennifer Connelly (haven't decided yetthoughwhether she deserved that Oscar).7/10

2013-04-07 10:04:52

Has an Unusual Edge of Believability

This is a movie about an intelligent person with schizophrenia. Ratherthanshowing schizophrenia from the perspective of an outside observer, thisfilmuses the perspective of the person with schizophrenia. As the filmprogresses, you wonder where the schizophrenia kicks in, even though italready has without your knowledge.As well as this film works as a film, it is very much fantasy. Contrary towhat the film leads viewers to believe, schizophrenics don't just willthemselves to sanity of some sort. And the depiction of schizophrenia asanother dimension that looks just as real as real life is something Idoubtthe accuracy of, having seen schizophrenia in real people up close andpersonal.That being said, this is a good film about a rather extraordinary person.It's a story about someone who beats all the odds and who overcomes greatadversity and emerges with their dignity intact, getting everything theydreamed of, but not at all in the expected way.In short, it's an emotional story tempered by reality's shortcomings,whichgives in an unusual edge of believability and which makes the highs andlowshigher and lower than usual.

Afsoun 2013-04-05 23:23:41

A beautiful movie!!!

What can be said about a beautiful mind? The acting is just amazing!! Jennifer and Russell are both outstanding!!! The story line is uplifting and encouraging!!!

primusguy5 2013-04-05 12:32:48

Music is it

Walking out of the theater, I realize that my two friends did not knowprevious to seeing the movie that John Nash was indeed a real person, anddidn't know that this movie we had just watched was not a work of fiction(at least, that it was not based on false events). I ask myself: What waskeeping me going? Was it the fact that I had previous knowledge that JohnNash is a real human being, and that this movie I'm watching is his story?If this is true, then what did my two friends have to go on? All 3 of ushad equal reactions to the film (very good), yet went into viewing the moviewith such completely different mindsets. Explain!The music for the film A Beautiful Mind is incredible. It is a virtualcomposer's pencil outlining the emotional and psychological overtones of thefilm throughout. Being a musician, my ears are primed, and I admittedly gointo the theatre sometimes with my ears more open than my eyes. Yet if weare to believe that the sub-conscious has any relevance at all in connectingwith our conscious experiences as human beings, than you (and I) have tobelieve that James Horner (the composer) has not only successfully tappedinto my two friends for 2 hours and 25 minutes and efficiently musicatedtheir experience of this "fictional" work, but has created a film score thatboth compliments and adds to the experience of this awesome movie. If therewere ever a case where you wanted to tap into your sub-conscious, I wouldsuggest walking into that theatre with your eyes peeled as well as your earswide open.

votarus4 2013-04-02 00:26:59

The Hollywood Stamp of Excellence?

(SPOILERS) To Russell Crowe's credit, he resists the temptation to wallow inAkiva Goldman's overwrought, pseudo-Greek tragedy of a script to deliver afairly compelling performance. Nash's story IS compelling; however, RonHoward (director) misses every opportunity to tell it or interpret it. Again and again, he resorts to safe, traditional, manipulative, Hollywooddirection and refuses to enter Nash's mind and relay his experience in avisual or metaphorical way (refer to Aronofsky's brilliant "Pi"). We areinstead given car chases, conspiracy theories, imaginary friends,sentimental scenes with fountain pens, but alas, no interesting camera work. That's a pity. Roger Deakins' cinematography (with the Coen Brothers, forinstance) is usually astonishing. Here, it's merely serviceable. Howardreigned Deakins in for all the wrong reasons. Lastly, the Academy of Blah,Blah, Blah is just as predictable, misty-eyed and conservative as it hasalways been. A Beautiful Mind was certainly not the best picture of lastyear.

GladiatorFfm 2013-04-01 22:27:28

Sensational!

On last Thursday "A beautiful Mind" has started in the German cinemas andIhad to see it immediately. I enjoyed this masterpiece movie. Russel Crowesway of acting is amazing, Jennifer Connelly is unbelievable, too. Theyboth,i hope, will get the oscars. "A beautiful Mind", that beautiful movie, hastouched me so deeply; it's thrilling, emotional, unhappy - but not trashy.Iwill see it today again. And I hope "A beautiful Mind" will become theOscar-Winner of this year.