Roll-M - Movie Reviews |
A Beautiful Mind (starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Judd Hirsch, Christopher Plummer; written by Akiva Goldman, based on the book by Sylvia Nasar; directed by Ron Howard; rated PG-13).
A Beautiful Mind is, quite simply, a beautiful film.
It is based on the life of mathematician John Forbes Nash, Jr., who, although
suffering from schizophrenia, still managed to function in a world of uncertainty
and eventually become a Nobel Prize winner (for his work in economic theory).
And this is one of those rare films that will be especially pleasing for Mensans.
Nash’s early manifestations of his illness aren’t initially apparent,
as we see him graduate from Princeton and accept a teaching position at MIT.
But his work suffers while he moonlights as a code-cracking superspy for a shadowy
government agent (Ed Harris), or so it would appear. As his illness progresses
and his mind begins to unravel, viewers may also find themselves questioning
the nature of reality. Nash’s fight against his these incurable demons
and eventual triumph over adversity is nothing short of inspirational.
Russell Crowe gives a far more Oscar® -worthy performance than his turn in
Gladiator (for which he won the statuette). Expect to see the Academy bestow
numerous nominations (and, most likely, awards) on this picture. Director Ron
Howard has managed to top himself with each ensuing film, and this is no exception.
Do not miss this!
After his nymphomaniacal wife (played brilliantly by an almost unrecognizable
Cate Blanchett) is killed in a car crash, Quoyle (Spacey), urged on by his aunt
(Judi Dench), tries to make a new life for himself and his daughter (one child,
not two as in the book) by moving to their ancestral home in Newfoundland.
He lands a job at the local newspaper as a reporter of “shipping news”
– ships in, ships out. He soon begins to blossom as a writer and as a
person, with local characters all playing a part in his rebirth. Julianne Moore,
as his love interest, gives an especially fine, understated performance. Production
values are excellent, as we have come to expect from Hallström, who also directed
Chocolat. The bleak location shots contribute to the overall
mood and believability.
Another winner!
The Royal Tenenbaums (starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow,
Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Anjelica Houston, Ben Stiller; written by Wes Anderson
and Owen Wilson; directed by Wes Anderson; rated R).
No family like The Royal Tenenbaums ever existed – at least let us hope
not. These are the folks for whom the word “dysfunctional” was invented.
Quirky characters, improbable situations, and some frequently good comedy blend
together to make this a different kind of movie.
Gene Hackman is noteworthy as the pater familias of the film’s title (he’s
named “Royal” – these guys are definitely not royalty). So is
Gwyneth Paltrow’s performance, as she has a hoot playing against type.
The Royal Tenenbaums is not for everyone, but the script’s
originality helps to make this romp enjoyable.