A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Ron Howard's acclaimed drama charts the extraordinary life of mathematician John Nash, from genius-level brilliance to a devastating battle with schizophrenia.
A Beautiful Mind - Movie Information
- Original Title: A Beautiful Mind
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Ron Howard
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 14, 2001 (CM), January 4, 2002 (United States - PG-13), January 4, 2002 (Canada - 18A), February 22, 2002 (United Kingdom - 12), February 28, 2002 (Germany - 12), February 13, 2002 (France - 12), March 21, 2002 (New Zealand), March 7, 2002 (Australia - M), February 15, 2002 (Brazil - 12), March 1, 2002 (Mexico), February 22, 2002 (Italy - T), February 21, 2002 (Spain - A), February 22, 2002 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Piękny Umysł (PL), 美麗心靈 (TW), Čistá duše (CZ), Красив ум (BG), Ένας Υπέροχος Άνθρωπος (GR), Egy csodálatos elme (HU), Uma Mente Brilhante (BR), Игры разума (RU)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Imagine Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
A Beautiful Mind - Plot
From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, John Forbes Nash Jr. experiences it all. As a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, he made a groundbreaking discovery early in his career and stands on the brink of international acclaim. But as the handsome and arrogant Nash accepts secret work in cryptography, he becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy. His life takes a nightmarish turn and he soon finds himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery.
A Beautiful Mind - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world through Nash's extraordinary, troubled eyes:
He saw the world in a way no one could have imagined.
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A Beautiful Mind - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ron Howard
Main Cast
- Russell Crowe
- Jennifer Connelly
- Ed Harris
- Paul Bettany
- Christopher Plummer
- Adam Goldberg
- Josh Lucas
- Anthony Rapp
- Jason Gray-Stanford
- Judd Hirsch
Writers
- Akiva Goldsman
Producers
- Brian Grazer
- Ron Howard
A Beautiful Mind - FAQs
Is A Beautiful Mind based on a true story?
Yes, A Beautiful Mind is based on the true story of John Forbes Nash Jr., a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician who struggled with paranoid schizophrenia throughout much of his life. The film is adapted from Sylvia Nasar's 1998 biography of the same name, though some details were dramatized for cinematic effect.
Who are the main actors in A Beautiful Mind?
A Beautiful Mind stars Russell Crowe as John Nash, Jennifer Connelly as his wife Alicia Nash, Ed Harris as the mysterious William Parcher, and Paul Bettany as Nash's college roommate Charles Herman. Christopher Plummer, Adam Goldberg, Josh Lucas, Judd Hirsch, Anthony Rapp, and Jason Gray-Stanford round out the principal cast.
What is the twist ending of A Beautiful Mind?
The film's central twist reveals that key characters — including roommate Charles Herman, his niece Marcee, and government agent William Parcher — are all hallucinations produced by Nash's paranoid schizophrenia. What the audience believed to be a Cold War spy thriller is reframed as a deeply personal story of mental illness and recovery.
Did A Beautiful Mind win any awards?
A Beautiful Mind won four Academy Awards at the 2002 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Ron Howard), Best Adapted Screenplay (Akiva Goldsman), and Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Connelly). It was also nominated for Best Actor for Russell Crowe's performance and received numerous Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
What is A Beautiful Mind about?
A Beautiful Mind follows John Forbes Nash Jr., a brilliant mathematician who makes a revolutionary contribution to economic theory at Princeton. His life unravels as paranoid schizophrenia takes hold, blurring reality and delusion. Supported by his devoted wife Alicia, Nash fights to reclaim his mind and ultimately wins the Nobel Prize in Economics.
Where can I stream A Beautiful Mind?
A Beautiful Mind is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling. Streaming availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options in your area.
What is the age rating for A Beautiful Mind?
A Beautiful Mind is rated PG-13 in the United States, meaning some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. The rating reflects mature themes including mental illness, paranoia, and brief violence. In the United Kingdom it carries a 12 certificate, and in Canada it is rated 18A.
How long is A Beautiful Mind?
A Beautiful Mind has a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes). Directed by Ron Howard and released in 2001, the film balances an intimate character study with dramatic narrative momentum across its full running time.
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