Two Helpings Of Brain And Half a Helping Of Heart in "A Beautiful Mind" Filmed By Ron Howard

The movie is adapted from a biography by Sylvia Nasar, which showcases the life story of John Nash-mathematics genius and Nobel Prize winner, who formulated the concept of “game theory”, which has become a foundation for contemporary economics. Directed by Ron Howard, this is a profound look at mental illness and its disabling power. Howard tells the story from Nash's point of view, so that often we fail to differentiate the real from the delusional.

From the very beginning, Nash’s character sketch is projected as an awkward introvert.

Although, he has a strong will and unmatched enthusiasm to search “an original idea”. Nash’s passion and perseverance to accomplish his goal is highlighted, as he uses relativism in everyday situations to formulate his theory of “governing dynamics”. He successfully proves the theory formulated by Adam Smith, the father of modern economics: “In competition, individual ambition serves the common good” as an incomplete theory.

At first, it is hardly noticeable that Nash is slipping into mental illness — it is only obvious that he has become obsessive in the competitive academic environment.

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Howard does not try to explicate his theory but focuses on emotions that fuelled Nash and found a clever way (involving a beautiful girl in a barroom) to explain Nash's Nobel-celebrated game theory. A few years later when he gets placed at “Wheelers” and teaches at MIT, he is approached by a secret government agent, due to his excellent code-breaking skills to undertake undercover “Cold War” work for the government and soon after he gets married to a gorgeous physics student.

At first, Nash's government contact, seems to be fully convincing as the stereotypical “mystery-man”. Though, we realize later that his characterization is a creative device used by the director. There comes a moment of realization for Nash, that he has been living in delusion. His greatest asset, his mind, that served him so brilliantly has now betrayed him.

The movie wonderfully dramatizes the split between reality and delusion, making “schizophrenia” visible. It makes us contemplate: whether through his intense study Nash might have hastened or amplified a mental condition that was inevitable. On a creative note, the film makes us think, “does one relinquish their mental stability along with conventional thinking? When altered thinking is accepted, are will and sanity sacrificed?” Despite facing adverse mental health, Nash did find a way to do his work, to be a husband and to embrace reality, even though his delusions never disappeared. The movie amplifies his struggle and makes compelling the most intangible of crises.

"A Beautiful Mind" is agreeably filmed by Ron Howard and magnificently performed by Russell Crowe as John Nash, and Jennifer Connelly, as the wife who never gave up, always encouraged and ultimately brought her husband back to life. Courageous and unsentimental, this movie is as much a love story as an inspiring biopic.