Today’s topic focuses on the complexity of Nash’s schizophrenia, a mental illness that devolves and progresses accordingly to the narrative structure of Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind.” Did you know the prevalence rate for schizophrenia is approximately 1.1 % of the population over the age of 18? Within his film, Howard explores the development of this mental illness, highlighting the adversities Nash faces along his journey. These challenges offer insight into his sufferings, as he is confronted to overcome these and gain a greater understanding of his world. Ultimately, it is through this that we, as the audience, are able to gain a heightened appreciation and tolerance for those inherently different to us.
Howard unravels the binaries …show more content…
The beginning of the movie helps establish John as a mathematical genius and prompts sympathy towards the audience for his loneliness and inability to interact effectively in social situations, but progresses to show the audience the impacts of his schizophrenia. The film initially explores this illness through Nash’s perspective in the first half of the film by the presence of diverse characters in Nash’s life. Initially the scene at Princeton University when Nash first meets Charles as his roommate presents the false sense of ease that accompanies John delusions. This use of long shots conveys the apparent nature of John’s schizophrenic delusions as he slowly progresses a relationship with Charles. Additionally, characterisation is presented through Howard’s attempt to manipulate Charles as the “perfect friend”, which evolves naturally on the screen, with Charles providing Nash with much needed support and confidence. The audience is unaware that it is a purely imagined relationship as a result of Nash’s hallucination, which allows the audience to question their own natural perceptions and challenge their intellectual level. Furthermore, it is through the highly sophisticated setting of Princeton University that stylistic elements of characterisation are evident. Through the use of bright colours and
Howard unravels the binaries …show more content…
The beginning of the movie helps establish John as a mathematical genius and prompts sympathy towards the audience for his loneliness and inability to interact effectively in social situations, but progresses to show the audience the impacts of his schizophrenia. The film initially explores this illness through Nash’s perspective in the first half of the film by the presence of diverse characters in Nash’s life. Initially the scene at Princeton University when Nash first meets Charles as his roommate presents the false sense of ease that accompanies John delusions. This use of long shots conveys the apparent nature of John’s schizophrenic delusions as he slowly progresses a relationship with Charles. Additionally, characterisation is presented through Howard’s attempt to manipulate Charles as the “perfect friend”, which evolves naturally on the screen, with Charles providing Nash with much needed support and confidence. The audience is unaware that it is a purely imagined relationship as a result of Nash’s hallucination, which allows the audience to question their own natural perceptions and challenge their intellectual level. Furthermore, it is through the highly sophisticated setting of Princeton University that stylistic elements of characterisation are evident. Through the use of bright colours and