Commentary: Cutting through the hype - the best films of 2001

Daily Record (Rochester, NY), Jan 3, 2002 by David Oliveiri

For those who don't have time to see a lot of films, the annual Ten Best lists must be more frustrating than helpful. What if there aren't Ten films of true merit? What makes a film Best?

Similarly, at this time of year, there is a flurry of award nominations by several academies, institutes, and societies whose criteria, credibility, and relevance to popular taste are a mystery to most filmgoers.

All of this buzz, however, is terrific marketing. Ever wonder why nominations precede the actual awards by weeks or months? And why are there normally Five nominees?

As a public service, this month's column cuts through all of the hype and presents here and now the bottom line - my absolute favorites for 2001. The criteria are simple - (a) Is the film smart? (i.e., it actually has something to say); (b) Does the film have a distinct voice? (i.e., does it innovate rather than imitate); (c) Does the film entertain? (i.e., did I look at my watch during the show); and (d) Is the film memorable? (i.e., does it have a good shot at enduring popularity)? This isn't a flawless system, but it works for me.

In the past year, only two widely distributed films have met my very subjective criteria - A Beautiful Mind and Amelie. And the good news is that they're playing right now in our town.

A Beautiful Mind (2001) is the true story of John F. Nash, Jr., a mathematical genius whose pioneering work in game theory earned him a Nobel Prize in 1994. Based on the acclaimed biography A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar, the film picks up Nash's story in 1947 upon his matriculation at Princeton as a graduate fellow. Brash, determined to make his mark, yet awkward and devoid of social skills, Nash (as played so remarkably by Russell Crowe) has a tough time fitting in.

Nonetheless, it is at Princeton that his groundbreaking insights emerge, forming the basis for his PhD thesis. In one clever sequence, Nash's thoughts on non-cooperative games coalesce at a tavern while he and his classmates agonize collectively over how to pick up the prettiest girl in the place.

Nash's reputation as an eccentric wunderkind and absent-minded professor is further cemented during a prestigious teaching stint at MIT in the 50's. Yet, it is during this period that Nash encounters two life-changing forces. First, he meets, is captivated by, and marries the remarkable Alicia (played by Jennifer Connelly in a breakthrough role) - in a series of truly sweet yet never saccharine sequences that convey the innocence and sensitivity of Nash's beautiful heart.

Secondly, and also while at MIT, Nash gains a reputation as a superior code-breaker, attracting the interest of the Pentagon and shadowy intelligence types. Then, the problems begin. In true Jekyll- Hyde style, Nash is overwhelmed mentally by the conflicting demands of scholarly genius (his rational thinking self) and the demands of his covert code-breaking duties (the darker, inexplicable side of human nature). He becomes a tortured and ultimately heroic soul, as he chooses to forego traditional psychiatric treatment and instead pits his superior intellect against the dark forces of profound mental illness.

Sound heavy? You bet. Yet, in the hands of Director Ron Howard, lead actors Crowe and Connelly, a first-rate supporting cast that includes Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer, and Judd Hirsch, this story of Nash's epic battle against paranoid schizophrenia is every bit as exciting and fascinating as the most engaging adventure film. Primarily through the Crowe and Connelly relationship, this film not only demonstrates intelligence but also shows emotional integrity, heart, and courage.

Creative camera work and production design put the audience in Nash's shoes as he visualizes numeric patterns and puzzles out covert messages in magazine articles and other everyday activities. Quite simply, A Beautiful Mind is a film and a story that is not to be missed. And for those who see the film and want to know more about this fascinating man, and his own characterization of the trials he endured, see Nash's short autobiography at the Nobel website: http:// www.nobel.se/economics/laureates/1994/nash-autobio.html

Amelie (2001), on the other hand, is a delightful French film that defies classification. In Europe, the film is a phenomenon. Justifiably so. Amelie is the feel-good film of 2001, a tonic for troubled times, and an experience that will have you smiling long after you leave the theatre.

The film is directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (also responsible for the equally entertaining and inventive Delicatessen (1992)). And Audrey Tautou plays the title role as a wide-eyed gamin reminiscent of a young Audrey Hepburn (Funny Face (1957)) or Leslie Caron (Lily (1953), Gigi (1958)). This 120 minute masterpiece is chock full of more ideas, creative perspectives, and superior cinematic technique than any 10 Best Pictures!

Amelie tells in a highly whimsical, warm, and inventive fashion (reminiscent of the great Preston Sturges comedies of the '40s) the story of Amelie, a lonely young waitress who works in a Montmartre bistro. Amelie rises above an emotionless and rather eccentric upbringing to find her true calling - as a catalyst for bringing happiness into unfulfilled lives.