A Beautiful Mind: Your views

The film has been nominated for 8 Oscars

A Beautiful Mind stars Russell Crowe as the mathematical genius, John Forbes Nash Jr, who wins a Nobel Prize despite his lifelong battle with schizophrenia.

The film did well at the Golden Globes and is tipped to repeat that success at the Oscars.

But director Ron Howard has also been criticised for glossing over things that were unpalatable to Hollywood, including an "unbearable" personality, gay affairs and delusions of commuting with aliens.

"There is no escaping the fact that A Beautiful Mind is an enlightening experience and arguably Ron Howard's best work to date," wrote BBC entertainment correspondent Peter Bowes.

But what do you think?

Is Crowe's performance worthy of an Oscar? Does it matter if the film glosses over certain issues?

BBC News Online users had their say.

I thought the movie was fantastic. I saw it last night and I am still under its spell. What made it so good was Russell Crowe's utterly believable depiction of the disturbed genius - he deserves an Oscar for this brilliant performance. So what if some issues are not addressed in the movie? Anyone can read John Nash's CV or his biography for the facts - the film goes beyond that, giving an idea of the person, his feelings, his dreams, his problems. Great movie, great leading actor.
Katerina, UK

Biographical films, or those based on events, don't necessarily have to follow all the details of what really happened. Dramatic structure involves compromises. The problem with Beautiful Mind though seems not that these elements were removed, but that they were most likely removed solely to make the film more palatable to a mid-brow audience.

Ron Howard has always been the kind of director whose ambition seems to be to appeal to a "Reader's Digest" audience. Some of these elements would undoubtedly have added to the richness of the film and its protrayal. I think that the approach taken bedevils the film, so that in the end, where it could have been profound and enlightening it is only schmaltzy.

Russell Crowe's performance is one of his best, but I still have the niggling feeling that it was a lot better than the script and movie deserved.
Gary Pollard, Hong Kong

An Oscar for Russell Crowe for A Beautiful Mind? Most certainly YES! I could not imagine any better tribute to a marvellous performance. Dear Lord, I even think I dated a socially inept geek like that once!
Peggy Ann, USA

A Beautiful Mind is a beautiful movie and deserves Best Movie, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenwriter

Lisa Cook, US

Since when did Hollywood bother about sticking to the facts? World history has been totally rewritten since the cinema was invented. Although it would be nice to think that this film would make people stop and think about mental illness and be a little more sympathetic towards those suffering these conditions, it is as Crowe says "just entertainment". And yes Crowe's performance does deserve an Oscar!
Janet Devereux, USA

In my opinion, Russell Crowe's portrayal as genius mathematician John Nash in the movie is definitely worthy of an Oscar. It does not matter if the film glosses over certain issues. The fact remains that Russell Crowe gave an incredible performance based on the script that he was given. He has once again shown his potential as a great actor.
Simone Francis, Canada

Yes - Russell Crowe's performance is worthy of an Oscar...and an astonishing performance it was. The film focused on the inner turmoil of John Nash's life and mind through the years he suffered with schizophrenia, and how he dealt with and finally conquered this disease.

Russell Crowe made you FEEL the confusion and despair that must have been prevalent through a better part of Nash's life. It would have been impossible to reinact every aspect of this man's life over a span of 50 years and it is my contention that it wasn't necessary.

A Beautiful Mind is a beautiful movie and deserves Best Movie, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenwriter.
Lisa Cook, United States

Yes, I think very much so, as he is very versatile and can really play anything, so it seems. Hopefully we will see him in a lot more films. Well done Russell, keep up the good work, but be a bit nicer to your fans, meaning especially in Germany, where you were really grumpy . It is a shame, because people wait for a long time to see him and then they get that type of reaction.
Petra Leigh, Germany

He can't have it both ways. He can't take credit for a successful adaptation of a biography and then turn around say that it wasn't necessary for him to portray the true man

A. Yus, USA

Exactly what qualifies for an Oscar is a moot point but Crowe's performance is certainly very good and ultimately very moving. His character changes and develops and he matches the decline and subsequent rediscovery of his character with physical and vocal changes.

Does the omission of gay and other material spoil the film? Not necessarily, though it would certainly have given another and probably rewarding element to this complex character. But all dramatists since Shakespeare (let alone the ancient Greeks) have selected what they wanted from history and historical characters in order to make particular dramatic points, so there is no reason why this film should be judged any differently.
David, Uruguay

I have read Sylvia Nasar's book and the many complaints concerning the lack of fidelity of the movie to the real story. This is just another example of Hollywood taking a difficult true story and turning it into pablum for the moviegoer. Will I see the movie? When Bush becomes a literate, liberal Democrat...
Jane, USA

Ron Howard is a genius, and Russell Crowe is the best actor of our time. Both of them deserve an Oscar! I still believe that magical things and miracles are happening, it's just you need an open mind and a heart full of love.
Andrea, USA

I think it is a big deal that Howard glossed over the more "unpleasant" details. He can't have it both ways. He can't take credit for a successful adaptation of a biography and then turn around say that it wasn't necessary for him to portray the true man. I remember that when such controversy came out over The Hurricane, Denzel Washington's chances for a much deserved Oscar were dashed.

I think Russell Crowe is one of the most overrated actors in history. I'd rather watch his fellow country man Guy Pearce over any of Crowe's uninspired acting. That said, Crowe will probably win because the Academy does not award talent. It is sad how much importance people attach to that ridiculous spectacle known as the Oscars.
A. Yus, USA

Nash is not a likeable character but Crowe makes you feel his bewilderment that his world is not real. If there is any justice, the Best Actor Oscar should be his for the taking

Nicki, England

As someone who has read Nassar's book on Nash and viewed the film, I feel quite certain that about 90% of the criticism towards the film is coming from critics who have not in fact read the novel, or listened to any of Nassar's comments on the accuracy of her own version of Nashs' life.

This film was not intended to be a biopic, and Crowe's performance should not be judged on these distorted and misconstrued notions concerning the accuracy of the film. The giving of the statue should correlate with performance quality, but sadly, it never has been, and I fear never will be. I for one, was greatly pleased with Crowe's performance. It is truly one of last year's finest.
Desha, USA

Wonderful film with a powerful central performance by Russell Crowe. Nash is not a likeable character but Crowe makes you feel his bewilderment that his world is not real. If there is any justice, the Best Actor Oscar should be his for the taking. The supporting cast is excellent, with special mention for Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly. This is a thought-provoking film which tackles an unnerving subject with sensitivity and even allows a little humour alongside the more harrowing scenes.
Nicki, Yorkshire, England

The problem with the film lies with the screenplay by Akiva Goldsman - nicknamed "The Bat Hack" in Hollywood for his appalling work on the Batman movie series, Lost In Space, etc. One always hopes people will grow, but Goldsman is incapable of writing a line of dialogue that isn't a rewarmed cliche. Nothing ever surprises like it sprang fresh from life. You can always hear the plot gears clicking. Budding screenwriters should study his work for what NOT to do.
James Ingram, Australia

I highly recommend this film with a caveat that it oversteps the bounds of artistic license

A B Lefton

Personally I've joined many others in not supporting this film. That this man's gay love affairs were not referenced in the movie, while they were allegedly quite important to him in his real life, leaves many questions begging to be answered. Is it not possible that someone who was a brilliant mathematician might also happen to be bisexual?

Besides, I'm afraid that Mr Crowe is becoming ill-regarded as an actor...no-one I know cares much for him (the Mel Gibson syndrome). In my opinion he is an overrated actor, and I would appreciate him flexing his acting muscle while playing a more challenging and truly complex role. Maybe then he'll be deserving of an Oscar.
Gabriel Fraley, US

I suspect A Beautiful Mind will win the Oscar for Best Picture this year simply becuse it is more "mainstream" than the other more fantastical and original contender Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (which, I believe, is much more deserving of the accolade).

Russell Crowe is, as ever, excellent - but that is no reason for the film itself to win. It probably will, but it will never truly hold its own against other recent winners such as Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, and Schindler's List.
Vic, Paris, France

Russell Crowe's acting definitely makes the film a pleasure to watch. The depth of his characterisation is extraordinary. However, having read the N.Y. Times review, and subsequent research about John Nash, Jr., one is left with a sense of having been cheated by the film, its director, Ron Howard, and the screeen writer, A. Goldsman.

I am not so sure that John Nash's life would have been as appealing had the "truth" been filmed as known. It seems as if Mr Howard and his crew have learned a lesson or two from political spin merchants. Sorry to say this, since, for me, it reduces the wonder and charm from the film. I highly recommend this film with a caveat that it oversteps the bounds of artistic license.
A. B. Lefton, USA

Another case where the heterosexual majority ignore the facts

John Thompson, UK

As usual, it all depends upon what one wants. If a documentary on the nature of schizophrenia as portrayed by Crowe in A Beautiful Mind is what's wanted, forget about it. But, if an interesting - at times spellbinding - motion picture with some terrific acting is desired, (and don't overlook Jennifer Connelly,) then Oscar awards would not be at all amiss. All in all a picture I'm very glad I did not miss.
R.B.Norman, U.S.A.

Although Mr Howard has said that he is a story-teller and not a documentary-maker, the fact that he had chosen a real-life (and still alive) person as the basis for his main character should make him conscious that people who have watched this movie will regard John Nash exactly as he had been protrayed in the film and will adopt consequent prejudice. Deliberate "story-telling", which is in a way lying, not only forsakes the reputation of the person in question but also shows the contempt in which the director holds his want-to-believe-it's-true audience.
T J Won, South Korea

Another case where the heterosexual majority ignore the facts. Until heterosexuals deal with the fact that gays exist and have made a significant contribution to society many more young gay kids will kill themselves - fact.
John Thompson, UK

I think that Russell Crowe gives a brilliant performance and I very much enjoyed the film at the time. However, when learning afterwards that the script had drifted significantly from the reality of Forbes' life, my appreciation has diminished significantly - in other words, I feel cheated.
Peter May, England

I'm not a sentimental person or one for feelgood stories, but this movie was so good I saw it twice!

Inspirational. A movie about the potential power of love. It makes you want to go crazy!
Dave O, USA

Even though Ron Howard did a beautiful job I believe it is Russell Crowe's performance that made the film what it is

Katherine, USA

The film is based on Sylvia Nasar's novel which glosses over certain aspects of Nash's life and therefore the fim must leave certain things out. Crowe's performance is absolutely superb and the actor disappears so completely inside the character he portays that you truly believe everything he says and does.
Peggy Guinan, USA

Russell Crowe's performance in A Beautiful Mind is heads and shoulders above his performance in Gladiator. Mr Crowe's performance is worthy of an Oscar. However, I will leave it to the judges to determine whether his performance outshines Tom Wilkinson in In the Bedroom, Will Smith in Ali or Denzel Washington in Training Day.
Anthony Lobay, USA

Russell Crowe is unquestionably deserving of the Best Actor Oscar for his role in A Beautiful Mind. I have seen all of the other films in which the other four Best Actor nominees star, and Russell Crowe's performance is absolutely the best. Those who would try to undermine this film with accusations of inaccuracy, omission, romanticising, etc., with respect to what would seem to be the "truth" of the life of John Forbes Nash, Jr, intentionally ignore the filmmakers' continuing statements that the film never was intended to be a "factual" biopic.

They are buying into a maliciously created "controversy"; choosing to overlook the countless films that have played fast, loose and false with the "facts" of actual characters or events from the beginning of filmmaking. They are not evaluating this film on its merits alone, as ought to be the case. Regardless of the "accuracy", Russell Crowe's performance is a phenomenal achievement for which he should be honoured and recognised at this year's Academy Awards.
Patricia, USA

A Beautiful Mind is an excellent film that deserves every award it wins. I would have liked to have seen more of John Nash explored in this film, especially of the things that were either omitted from the film because of time constraints or if they were just ommitted for some type of PC-ness.

I repeat, this movie deserves every award it is nominated for. It is well written, well acted, and well directed. Even though Ron Howard did a beautiful job I believe it is Russell Crowe's performance that made the film what it is. He was absolutely brilliant and I think as long as he is offered scripts like this he only gets better. As a matter of fact someone could probably give Mr Crowe a bad script and he would make it into a good movie because of his brilliance at interpreting material.
Katherine, USA

I agree with his own self-criticism of not being satisfied with his acting. You and me both chum!

Radha, USA

Russell Crowe's empathy and innate talent to inhabit deep and unusual characters definitely puts him in the artistic stratosphere. Only one actor from so many comes to my mind - Paul Muni. Russell Crowe is a phenomenon and we are very lucky to live at the same time as him.

Before becoming famous he accumulated a body of work , known mostly to serious Crowemaniacs. Anybody familiar with his early film Romper Stomper could recognise what a talent and a force of nature appeared on the screen. The genius of Russell Crowe is his general appeal. I can see him in every epoch and social context . His performance is worthy of an Oscar. Only after reading Sylvia Nasar's book one can see the essence of performance distilled by Russell's sensitivity and instinctive grasp of characters' deepest psyche.
Nellie Dobrowolski, United States

A beautiful, simple and elegantly done bit of filmmaking. Yes, Crowe is Oscar-worthy and no, it does not matter that the film doesn't fully cover the true story of John Nash (especially since for any erudite movie-goer, the producers and director have been very open and interviewed extensively about the "glossing over", or deleting of, and/or other dramatic licenses they took to achieve this film).
Lee, USA

What a formulaic actor, taking pretension a bit too far by trying to play a genius. The whole thing is boring (and predictable) to watch. I agree with his own self-criticism of not being satisfied with his acting. You and me both chum!
Radha, U.S.A.

A Beautiful Mind is the most compelling, inspirational, and eminently fascinating biographical films. Thank you Ron for creating this film and giving those hope who suffer from the devestating effects of mental illness. It may not be cured but can be overcome with a great deal of support coupled with medication. This film is an absolute triumph!
Pilar, Texas

I think Russell Crowe has by far the best acting performance of the year in A Beautiful Mind. It was an astonishing performance and something is wrong if he does not win. His Gladiator performance was great but I would put his protrayal of John Forbes Nash Jr. in the genius category.
Susan Winnie, USA

I read the book and saw the movie twice. The book is a well indexed and documented biography. It is far more detailed than any movie could show successfully. The movie screenplay was written...well, beautifully. It kept the spirit of the book and the events, while focusing on the primary people. The important thing is not the items the movie left out, but rather the important things that the movie conveyed to a larger audience. The movie got this incredible story out to the masses. For those who are interested in the whole truth, the book is available for them to read. Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and Ron Howard deserve Oscars and more for their efforts.
Regina R Rogers, USA

A character on the cable TV show Six Feet Under is a far more credible portrait of this horrific condition. But Crowe literally brought tears to my eyes.
Gifford Maxim, Chicago, USA

A great film and a very moving performance by Crowe - who will, I predict, pick up a second Oscar. But a word of caution. This malady is infinitely more destructive than the movie lets on. I've seen several talented and promising souls literally crumble under its weight.
Robert del Valle, USA

I think A Beautiful Mind is a wonderful movie, and it is very well made, and the cast just did a beautiful job. And yes, Russell Crowe does deserve the Oscar, he really got into the role he was playing.
Margaret, USA

Yes, Russell Crowe deserves an Oscar. He puts his heart and soul into every performance. I went into the theatre hoping for a good movie, and came out stunned by a brilliant one.

As for the controversies, the movie makers were quite clear at the outset about their intentions and they made a thrilling film.
Mary, USA

This is a great movie. But I must admit I went to hear this movie as well. Being a Charlotte Church fan was such a bonus when her voice was used in the score. I think she deserves a big hand for a touching song at the end of the movie, All Love Can Be. Thank you James Cameron for another great score.
Lyle Jackson, USA

I saw this film several times and I am still going to see it again because it's a very moving film and I love it. Russell Crowe is marvellous and really deserves an Oscar.
Mimi, France

I thought that this movie was one of the most phenomenal movie I've ever seen.The performances by the cast was exceptionally detailed. Russell Crowe definitely deserves all the raves that he's gotten. Jennifer Connelly however delivered an exceptionally fantastic performance. Her potrayal of Alicia Nash is one the best of her career. No doubt in my mind that she's going to take home the Oscar this year.
Lydia, United States

It took nine years to match the compelling narrative of Schindler's List. A Beautiful Mind is one movie that will bring out the intense emotions in you. I could not forget the movie. Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly were truly outstanding. I cannot wait to see them receive their Oscars. And Ron Howard, too!
Rex, Philippines

A Beautiful Mind is a travesty of a film. John Nash spent 35 years of his life in hospital and Ron Howard thinks that merits about eight minutes of screen time? I think Russell Crowe gave a fantastic performance considering the sugar sweet script and restrictive storyline. Only Hollywood can take on the tale of a sad and toubled life and turn it into a love story.
Evie, England

Jennifer Connelly's acting in this movie was exceptional, and Russell Crowe's acting was good. Both of them deserve an award especially considering what they had to work with. I thought the movie itself was rather dull and that it definitely does not deserve to win best picture of the year.
Jenn, Canada