
Notable Film Fact(s):
The film is loosely based on the life of John Forbes Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics, who had a life-long struggle with schizophrenia. The narrative of the film differs considerably from the actual events of Nash's life. The film has been criticized for this, but the filmmakers had consistently said that the film was not meant to be a literal representation.
The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards. In addition to winning the Best Picture Award (Brian Grazer and Ron Howard), it also won the following:
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Jennifer Connelly
Best Director - Ron Howard
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published - Akiva Goldsman
It was nominated but didn't win the following:
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Russell Crowe
Best Editing - Mike Hill and Daniel P. Hanley
Best Makeup - Greg Cannom and Colleen Callaghan
Best Music, Original Score - James Horner
Film Synopsis
This film is based loosely on the book of the same name by Sylvia Nasar and tells the true story of prominent mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. Russell Crowe stars as the brilliant but arrogant Professor Nash. The professor seems guaranteed a great future in the early '50s after he marries beautiful student Alicia (Jennifer Connelly) and makes a remarkable advancement in the foundations of "game theory". His work carries him to the brink of international acclaim.
Later on, John is visited by Agent Parcher (Ed Harris) from the CIA, who wants to recruit him for code-breaking activities. However, Nash's perceptions of reality are cloudy at best. He struggles to maintain his sanity and Alicia suspects a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
Battling decades of illness with the loyal Alicia by his side, Nash is ultimately able to gain some control over his mental state, and eventually goes on to triumphantly win the Nobel Prize in Economics.
Director:
Ron Howard
Producers:
Brian Grazer
Ron Howard
Screenplay:
Akiva Goldsman
Cast:
Russell Crowe
Jennifer Connelly
Ed Harris
Paul Bettany
Christopher Plummer
Josh Lucas
Distributor:
Universal Pictures (Domestic)
DreamWorks Pictures (International)
Release Date(s): December 21, 2001
Running time: 134 min
My View Rating: ***
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