This film is remarkable in many ways. Firstly it tells the life story of John Forbes Nash, a mathematician and economist, who won the Noble Prize in 1994. Secondly he suffered from schizophrenia for most of his life living with three other people in his mind whilst he solved the equations that brought about advances in world economics bringing benefit to the peoples of the world. Now all that is remarkable, but to tell the world about it someone has to understand what was going on in John Nash’s mind and that someone was Akiva Goldman, the person who wrote the film script for “A Beautiful Mind”. Having got the script you need talent to bring it all together as a film and that talent was supplied by Ron Howard the director.

If you have no idea what the story is about you will get through most of the film without knowing what is and what is not reality; so skillful is the writing and direction This is a portrait of the mind off balance. Even John Nash’s arrival at Princeton university in 1947 is not normal as he goes beyond the bounds of being a keen student intent on work. He is frustrating to those around him tending to say what he is thinking, which is not always prudent. Eventually he finds a woman who understands him and that woman is the person who helps steer him through his difficult life. Russell Crowe gives an outstanding performance as John Nash, which shows a depth of understanding of schizophrenia that seems to have taken over the acting. His wife Alicia is played by Jennifer Connelly who gives just what is wanted for the part. Those in the supporting parts give just the right balance needed when dealing with such a complex and difficult subject.

The ceremony of the pens gives this film and its originator the acclaim that it truly deserves. This is a film not to be missed for it contains so much of such high quality, something that comes along so seldom. Brilliant. 135 mins 12 © BA

“A Beautiful Mind” is on general release.