Directed by: Ron Howard

Russell Crowe of Gladiator fame now has fans enthralled with his new role as mathematical genius John Forbes Nash. Based on a true story and on the biography A Beautiful Mind, by Sylvia Nasar, the movie takes us through the life, trials and tribulations of Nash. He made an astonishing discovery in college and set forth his new groundbreaking theory which promised a bright future ahead. However, when he was in his 30s, Nash was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The film focuses on his relationship with his supportive wife played by Jennifer Connelly, and with the characters that live only in his imagination, and on his struggle with his illness. He finally went on to win the Nobel Prize for his brilliant work.

The movie went on to win many awards, including the Oscar for the Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress. Director Ron Howard does an excellent and understated job of showing just how thin the line between genius and madness can be. He conveys schizophrenia not by focusing on the physical aspect of showing a raving lunatic with his tongue hanging out, but by showing the mind of the patient. And, that it can still be beautiful.