Ron Howard directs this well-done but manipulative biographical film of John F. Nash, a schizophrenic mathematical prodigy. Russell Crowe's performance makes the film: he brings a wealth of humanity to the role, making the character an accessible and sympathetic one. I say it's manipulative, however, because it seems practically calculated to be a "feel good" film instead of a thinking person's film, which is what this story seems practically begging to be. Some emotional complexity, rather than the simplified approach Howard takes, would have been welcome. Still, given how well and how watchably it's done, we scarcely mind. Besides great acting and a great script, this film has subtly beautiful cinematography.