A Beautiful Mind (Full Screen Awards Edition)

Starring:Paul Bettany, Patrick Blindauer, Vivien Cardone, Kent Cassella, Tanya Clarke, Jennifer Connelly, Russell Crowe, Jesse Doran, Adam Goldberg, Jason Gray-Stanford, Ed Harris, Judd Hirsch, Josh Lucas, Austin Pendleton, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Rapp, Jill M. Simon, Victor Steinbach, Thomas F. Walsh
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

A Beautiful Mind manages to twist enough pathos out of John Nash's incredible life story to redeem an at-times goofy portrayal of schizophrenia. Russell Crowe tackles the role with characteristic fervor, playing the Nobel prize-winning mathematician from his days at Princeton, where he developed a groundbreaking economic theory, to his meteoric rise to the cover of Forbes magazine and an MIT professorship, and on through to his eventual dismissal due to schizophrenic delusions. Of course, it is the delusions that fascinate director Ron Howard and, predictably, go astray. Nash's other world, populated as it is by a maniacal Department of Defense agent (Ed Harris), an imagined college roommate who seems straight out of Dead Poets Society, and an orphaned girl, is so fluid and scriptlike as to make the viewer wonder if schizophrenia is really as slick as depicted. Crowe's physical intensity drags us along as he works admirably to carry the film on his considerable shoulders. No doubt the story of Nash's amazing will to recover his life without the aid of medication is a worthy one, his eventual triumph heartening. Unfortunately, Howard's flashy style is unable to convey much of it. --Fionn Meade

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful way to tell a tragically uplifting story..........2007-06-20

The real life story of John Nash plays out as engaging and interesting as some of our more well thought out fiction. Now, as some have already noted whether here or in media scrutiny, not all of this film follows Nash's life accurately. Some of this film is fictionalized, but isn't that for the most part what always happens. Just because it's a true story doesn't mean Hollywood doesn't feel the need to tamper. At least here the tampering does not by any means take away from the power within the film and the performances that dominate. Nash's life story is still portrayed effortlessly and beautifully, compelling and entertaining and full of just about every aspect of a priceless and award worthy film. `A Beautiful Mind' truly has it all.

Russell Crowe here delivers a breathtaking performance as John Nash, a brilliant math student who gets to the top only to tumble back down to the bottom at breakneck speed. Living a life that in the end appears mostly a lie, Nash eventually is diagnosed with schizophrenia. At this point in his life, married with a child and working a steady job, Nash and those around him are finding it difficult to differentiate reality from the creations of his mind. The movie then turns its focus on Nash's recovery and the effect his sickness has on those closest to him.

Crowe is truly the star here, swallowing whole this character driven study on the human spirit and determination to survive. He engulfs the screen and makes this mans plight come alive for the audience. What's commendable here is that Howard's directing and of course the script, adapted from Sylvia Nasar's biography, allow for the viewer to really connect with the entire cast, most importantly Nash himself. This proves effective because once Nash's life is shattered before our very eyes and he begins to crumble we are brought to a place deep within our emotions that would have been impossible to touch had we not come to know Nash before his world came tumbling down. We fall in love with this man and so we feel his pain, his wife's pain and are emotionally distressed alongside them both.

Alongside Crowe both Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany deliver astounding performances as Nash's longsuffering wife and imaginary best friend. Jennifer's Oscar winning performance is full of so much life, so much pain and emotional attachment that we can relate to and understand her feelings every step of the way. We watch her transform from this woman who knew how to control the things around her, including Nash, to a woman scared of what was going to happen next, a woman who felt detached from all she thought was real. Bettany's portrayal of Nash's college roommate is high spirited and refreshing. He serves as our brightest comic relief but also our biggest heartbreak as we watch Nash realize he never truly had his friendship at all.

Crowe, one of our finest actors, is a true chameleon and he engages himself so far into this role that he becomes John Nash, and watching that transformation is utterly rewarding. His determination and fervor are so invested in this performance from the moment he appears on screen that one is automatically drawn to him and connected to him entirely. From start to finish `A Beautiful Mind' proves itself worthy of our attention and consideration and is sure to astonish and amaze you. From its heartbreaking story to its brilliantly crafted direction to its powerhouse performances, `A Beautiful Mind' is a winner from the top of its head to the tip of its toes. The well rounded supporting cast including the likes of Ed Harris and Josh Lucas continue to astonish in their respective roles and aid in delivering one of the warmest and beautifully articulated Hollywood experiences. This, my friends, is what going to the movies is all about.

Wonderful Products at Amazon.Com.......2007-05-24

I am compel to say that Amazon.com provides a wonderful shopping experience for their on-line customers. Why I'm force to say this? Well, it is because they stand by there word and give the customer what they need when they need it. Thank you Amazon.com for helping me to make the grade in my Psychology class when I needed you the most.

CROWE is beautiful in this quadruple Academy Award winner! Hats off to Director Ron Howard too!.......2007-03-27

Russell Crowe did an incredible job of portraying the real-life story of Princeton Professor John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who won the 1994 Nobel Prize, despite his dysfunction due to schizophrenia. My heart went out to this amazing man for all he suffered; his perseverance tugged at my heart strings; and I was heartened by his wife standing beside him through thick and thin. I'm highly encouraged that Professor Nash managed to kick his dependence on the schizophrenia medicine and go on to reach some of his major goals in life.

Thanks to the brilliant directing of Ron Howard, A Beautiful Mind is one of those bittersweet movies with a satisfying ending that left me feeling good about life and the human conditiion ... a lasting impression of "hope."

Russell Crowe and the entire cast are to be commended for their sensitive, caring performances in this fine drama.

SIDENOTE: You may have noticed that Amazon has made some changes to its website. If it looks the same to you right now, look out for a new format that will be rolling out gradually in the weeks to come. If you can see the changes, especially the review format, I'd like to know what you think. Please leave me a comment with your opinion.

"Love the new look" or "Hate the new look" comments are perfectly acceptable.

My e-mail address is at top of this review. Thank you for your time."

Lovely.......2007-03-23

I got it as a gift for someone's birthday. They loved it. Fabulous!

A terrible example of 'excellence' in film........2007-02-09

The best part of the film were when the leading character was delusional. That's not a good basis for a film to grow off of, especially when sanity brings the viewer a happy boring ending. There was no real romance to speak of, instead the idea of exchanging bodily fluids and skipping any small talk prevailed. The director Ron Howard reaffirms that he does not know how to craft love stories.

I did not find the characters to be believable as portrayed. The acting by Russell Crowe was horrific. The phoniness of his stammering accent reminds me of having sticky fingers. You can't get rid of it and the longer it goes on the more annonying it gets. His wife lacked any character development. She is similar to an immovable pillar which remains in the same spot and the same shape less some aging. I can hear Crowe's character saying, "that's a good wife, now stand over there and cry when I get all the accolade."

The makeup showing the aging of characters appeared planned and formulated. It was great the first dozen movies we saw it but now it doesn't work. I found myself successfully guessing where the plastic pieces were applied to the faces. There wasn't much else to do as I was completely bored waiting for the credits to roll finally releasing me from this yawner.

I will give the movie 3 stars. It was average at best. The editing, soundtrack and portrayal by some supporing actors were the only things saving it from a lower score. Wait for it to appear on TV. This movie won 4 academy awards. It is a terrible example of 'excellence' in film.

Average customer rating:

schizophrenia
Emotionally Powerful
A beautiful mind
Wow wonderful movie do not let anyone give it away to you

A Beautiful Mind
Starring: Jennifer Connelly , Russell Crowe , Adam Goldberg , Ed Harris , and Judd Hirsch
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FVQLQQ
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Description

Winner of 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, A Beautiful Mind is directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard and produced by long-time partner and collaborator, Academy Award winner Brian Grazer. A Beautiful Mind stars Russell Crowe in an astonishing performance as brilliant mathematician John Nash, on the brink of international acclaim when he becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy. Now only his devoted wife (Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly) can help him in this powerful story of courage, passion and triumph.

Customer Reviews:

schizophrenia.......2007-06-08

An excellent overview of the struggles and tortuous life of a schizophrenic. It brings to the attention of the public the pain and suffering both of the person who is mentally ill, and the caregiver.The movie is excellent.

Emotionally Powerful.......2007-05-08

This film was just flat out enticing. I have watched it over and over again, and it never seems to lose its value. Crowe is a great actor, and pulls off his role with perfection. This is one of my most favorite movies ever, and is one of the very few that ever made me tear up. Some may find the beginning to be a little slow, but after about twenty minutes of watching, you'll be hooked. Don't miss this one!!!

A beautiful mind.......2007-02-06

Excellent ! A story especially close to me as my ex-wife suffers from this same disorder.

Wow wonderful movie do not let anyone give it away to you.......2006-10-17

I saw this movie when I was working at a mental hospital. I helped me to understand what schizophrenia might be like to some people. If you want to know about that watch this and do not learn to much about the movie it will reck it. Just know that this is very well done and respectfully done. It is based on a true story, but not a documentary. The acting is excellent. If you want to understand more watch this. It is a beautiful movie.

A Beautiful Mind (Full Screen Awards Edition)

Average customer rating:

A beautiful way to tell a tragically uplifting story...
Wonderful Products at Amazon.Com
CROWE is beautiful in this quadruple Academy Award winner! Hats off to Director Ron Howard too!
Lovely
A terrible example of 'excellence' in film.

A Beautiful Mind (Full Screen Awards Edition)
Starring: Paul Bettany , Patrick Blindauer , Vivien Cardone , Kent Cassella , and Tanya Clarke
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000066AXE
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful way to tell a tragically uplifting story..........2007-06-20

Wonderful Products at Amazon.Com.......2007-05-24

CROWE is beautiful in this quadruple Academy Award winner! Hats off to Director Ron Howard too!.......2007-03-27

Lovely.......2007-03-23

I got it as a gift for someone's birthday. They loved it. Fabulous!

A terrible example of 'excellence' in film........2007-02-09

Average customer rating:

A Beautiful Movie and Very Emotional I highly Recommend
Well done
A BIRDS-EYE VIEW INTO A SCHITZOPHRENIC MIND...

A Beautiful Mind [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0000633LR

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Movie and Very Emotional I highly Recommend.......2006-09-08

Based on Slyvia Nasar's book; this movie is about John Nash a brilliant mathemitician and code breaker who in turn suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. In real life John Nash only heard voices and did not see things. He starts at Princeton, where he is accepted into graduate school and where his schizophenria beginngs. He has a roomate played by Paul Bettany and his own close group of friends. He is befrinded by Alicia NAsh one of his students played well by Jennifer Connelly. They marry and throughout their marriage they are plagued by his continued delusions and hallucinations. His wife knows there's something wrong but will do anything to save her marriage and tries very hard. Ed Harris playes the imaginary government conspirator who leads John to believe his is part of a conspiracy and Paul Bettany playes the imaginary roomate. John Nash is gets so involved with his delusions that it starts to effect his marriage and his life especially after his first son is born. Christopher Plummer plays the psychitrist who tries to help him and does by hospitilation. This is a very emotional movie for anyone that has dealth with schizophrenia. I highly recommend it you will not be disappointed. Ron Howard did a brilliant job directing this movie.

Well done.......2006-05-28

John Forbes Nash has the ability to see patterns in math and nature that are ordinarily overlooked. He presumably is pressed into using his ability for the government. Alicia comes into his world and as with many great loves, she sees what others call weird, as a cute uniqueness. We follow their courtship and then life together.

It is the little things and the interaction among friends that make the movie. This movie captures your attention from the beginning. You may be able to anticipate what is happening however it is not meant to be a dark secret with a twist ending as much as letting you in on what he is going through to survive. All the characters are fleshed out and you feel that you are there. This movie leaves a good after taste.

A BIRDS-EYE VIEW INTO A SCHITZOPHRENIC MIND..........2006-05-28

This is a superlative film, directed by Ron Howard, someone who is sure to be remembered as a legend in his own time for the number of high quality films that he has directed, thus far. He is certainly one of the finest directors around today, and this film is certainly reflective of his talent. The technique that he employs to illustrate the descent of John Nash into the world of schitzophrenia is highly effective.

Loosely based upon the biography of the same name by Sylvia Nasar, the world of schitzophrenia is brought to life in this film by a wonderful screenplay, deft direction, and superb acting. Featuring the life of Nobel Prize laureate, John Nash, this film begins to chronicle his life from 1947, when he was a young, promising, though eccentric, graduate student at Princeton University. The film delineates his lack of social skills, eccentricities, rise to prominence, marriage, and eventual descent into schitzophrenic hell. It follows his battle with madness and his own way of coping with his inner demons. It also shows how Nash's early work proved to be so influential that it netted him a Nobel Prize decades later. While a number of people have objected to the fact that this film leaves out some of the darker sides of Nash, one would do well to remember that this is not a documentary but merely a dramatization.

Russell Crowe gives a memorable portrayal of the afflicted and tormented John Nash, beleagured by the devils that existed only in his mind. Ed Harris is compelling as the slightly sinister Parcher, a shadowy government operative whose existence is intertwined with that of John's. Paul Bettany, as he did in the role of Chaucer in "A Knight's Tale", once again almost steals the show in the role of John's alleged roommate and friend, Charles. Christopher Plummer is excellent as Dr. Rosen, the psychiatrist who appeals to the dormant rationality in Nash. While Jennifer Connelly gives a very good performance in the role of Alicia, John's caring wife, it does not rise to the level of Oscar worthy, though she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

This two disc, widescreen, awards edition DVD clinches this as being worthy of five stars. It is an absolutely value laden two disc DVD. The first disc offers a widescreen version of the film in addition to two commentaries. One is by the director, Ron Howard. The other is by the screenwriter, Akiva Goldsman. The second disc is devoted entirely to special features. Particularly memorable is the feature with John Nash himself, explaining his theory on equilibrium. There is also a feature that shows the Nobel Prize awards of 1994 and Nash's acceptance of his in Economics. All in all, this is a great package deal and simply first rate.

Average customer rating:

Well done

A Beautiful Mind [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0001E5TK6

Customer Reviews:

Well done.......2006-08-03

Average customer rating:

A Beautiful Movie and Very Emotional I highly Recommend
Well done
A BIRDS-EYE VIEW INTO A SCHITZOPHRENIC MIND...

A Beautiful Mind [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
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Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Movie and Very Emotional I highly Recommend.......2006-09-08

Well done.......2006-05-28

A BIRDS-EYE VIEW INTO A SCHITZOPHRENIC MIND..........2006-05-28

Charlie Rose with Ron Howard; Peter Jackson (September 2, 2002)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Ron Howard; Peter Jackson (September 2, 2002)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Charlie Rose with Peter Jackson (February 22, 2002)

ASIN: B000HBL4D4
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Description

Two filmmakers who are behind some of the year's most successful and profound entertainment. First, director Ron Howard discusses his work on the Best Picture Academy Award nominated A Beautiful Mind. Howard talks about the incredible story that drives the film and how he came to be interested in the life of schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Then, Peter Jackson on his epic film, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which has already grossed $800 million at the box office.

Average customer rating:

TWO SUPERLATIVE FILMS IN ONE PACKAGE...

A Beautiful Mind/The Emperor's Club
Starring: Paul Bettany , Patrick Blindauer , Vivien Cardone , Kent Cassella , and Tanya Clarke
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000EMYC1
Release Date: 2003-12-16

Customer Reviews:

TWO SUPERLATIVE FILMS IN ONE PACKAGE..........2004-09-05

"A Beautiful Mind" is an excellent film, directed by Ron Howard, someone who is sure to be remembered as a legend in his own time for the number of high quality films that he has directed. He is certainly one of the finest directors around today, and this film is certainly reflective of his talent. The technique that he employs to illustrate the descent of John Nash into the world of schizophrenia is highly effective.

Loosely based upon the biography of the same name by Sylvia Nasar, the world of schizophrenia is brought to life in this film by a wonderful screenplay, deft direction, and superb acting. Featuring the life of Nobel Prize laureate, John Nash, this film begins to chronicle his life from 1947, when he was a young, promising, though eccentric, graduate student at Princeton University. The film delineates his lack of social skills, eccentricities, rise to prominence, marriage, and eventual descent into schizophrenic hell. It follows his battle with madness and his own way of coping with his inner demons. It also shows how Nash's early work proved to be so influential that it netted him a Nobel Prize decades later. While a number of people have objected to the fact that this film leaves out some of the darker sides of Nash, one would do well to remember that this is not a documentary but merely a dramatization.

Russell Crowe gives a memorable portrayal of the afflicted and tormented John Nash, beleaguered by the devils that existed only in his mind. Ed Harris is compelling as the slightly sinister Parcher, a shadowy government operative whose existence is intertwined with that of John's. Paul Bettany, as he did in the role of Chaucer in "A Knight's Tale", once again almost steals the show in the role of John's alleged roommate and friend, Charles. Christopher Plummer is excellent as Dr. Rosen, the psychiatrist who appeals to the dormant rationality in Nash. While Jennifer Connelly gives a very good performance in the role of Alicia, John's caring wife, it does not rise to the level of Oscar worthy, though she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

"The Emperor's Club" is a gem of a film with a beautifully nuanced performance by Kevin Kline. When I saw this film in the video store, its descriptive blurb brought to mind films such as "Goodbye, Mr. Chips", "The Dead Poet's Society", and even "Mr. Holland's Opus". So, I thought it would be a pleasant, sentimental film. Well, it turns out that this film delivers much more than sentimentality, as its themes are far more complex. It is simply a wonderful film with stellar performances by the entire cast.

Kevin Kline is superlative in the role of Mr. William Hundert, the assistant headmaster at St. Benedict's Academy, where he is also the history teacher, focusing on the ancient Greeks and Romans. St. Benedict's Academy is a tony, old world boarding school, steeped in tradition and proud of its high academic standards. Through the teaching of the classics, Mr. Hundert strives to instill in his motivated students old fashioned values, such as leadership, honor, integrity, and ethics. He himself tries to live his life by those values.

This cloistered, comfortable world of his, however, is torn asunder, with the entry of a new student, Sedgewick Bell (Emile Hirsch), the charismatic, troubled son of a U.S. Senator. Unmotivated and mischievous, he enters Mr. Hundert's life and ends up tearing it apart. Mr. Hundert sees that Sedgewick is innately intelligent, though an under-achiever. He also realizes that Sedgewick has some issues with his influential father that account for his poor attitude. Seeing that Sedgewick has natural leadership ability, Mr. Hundert decides to try to mold him for the common good. His earnest efforts in trying to put the morally bankrupt Sedgewick on the straight and narrow, however, end up compromising Mr. Hundert's own cherished values. It also gives him a rude awakening. Therein lies the tale.

While much of what occurs in the film holds little surprise, it has some intriguing twists and turns that make it a morally complex and multi-faceted film. It is a film with a message that is particularly applicable in today's win-at-all-costs world, where situational ethics seems to be a by product of the prevailing dog-eat-dog standard. The film reminds the viewer that strength of character does not necessarily exempt one from falling prey to the new ethics promulgated by today's society. Nor are strength of character, goodness, and selfless leadership always rewarded. Sometimes it is passed over for the shallow, showy, and self-promoting. Life is, simply put, not always fair nor does the end always justify the means.

The film is beautifully directed by Michael Hoffman, who displays a deft touch, avoiding mawkishness, and opting, instead, for a more realistic treatment. Kevin Kline is masterful as the highly principled schoolmaster who finds himself ethically compromised and makes a choice that will ripple twenty five years into the future. His portrayal of Mr. Hundert is that of an idealistic human being who is flawed, a man who, when beset by moral dilemmas, does not always make the right choices. Yet, he is a man who is able to come to terms with those choices as his motivations remain true to his ideals. Emile Hirsch is excellent as the troubled Sedgewick, giving the viewer a peak at the man he is eventually to become. Rob Morrow has a small role as James Ellerby, an ambitious colleague of Mr. Hundert's who has his eye on the prize. Mr. Morrow shines in this small, but important role, as it is a role that runs counterpoint to Kevin Kline's role. While all the loose ends are not firmly tied up at the end of this film, this was a wise choice, as life is not always tidy.

This two disc DVD, with two superlative films, is a great package deal and well worth having in one's personal collection. Bravo!

Charlie Rose with Michael Isikoff; Kenneth L. Davis, Sylvia Nasar & Howard Chua-Eoan; Bill Bryson (June 30, 1998)

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Charlie Rose with Michael Isikoff; Kenneth L. Davis, Sylvia Nasar & Howard Chua-Eoan; Bill Bryson (June 30, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Description

First, Michael Isikoff of Newsweek magazine discusses the testimony of Linda Tripp and the charges of perjury and obstruction of justice against President Clinton. Then, Sylvia Nasar, author of A Beautiful Mind, Howard Chua-Eoan, and Dr. Kenneth L. Davis, chairman of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, discuss the phenomenon of the troubled genius. Finally, Bill Bryson, known for his book about English life, Notes from a Small Island, discusses his hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail and the book that he wrote about it, A Walk in the Woods.

Charlie Rose with Ron Howard; Frank Darabont (December 28, 2001)

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Charlie Rose with Ron Howard; Frank Darabont (December 28, 2001)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Description

Charlie Rose talks to director Ron Howard about his most recent film, A Beautiful Mind, based upon the life of mathematician John Nash. Next an interview with filmmaker and Oscar nominee Frank Darabont, whose newest film The Majestic, stars Jim Carrey as a blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter in the 1950s.

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