American Experience: A Brilliant Madness [DVD]

Overall, I liked this documentary about John Nash's life. It's a nice contrast when you watch it after the movie. It appears that the movie did not entirely reflect the truth. Picture and sound quality were all good, and I enjoyed the interviews with actual colleagues, his sister, his son. I also found the psychiatrists' views helpful in understanding his illness and how he recovered. And of course, hearing John Nash himself talking about his career and illness was nice.I wish the documentary had explored/explained John Nash's work in more detail. I was expecting a more detailed exposition of his equilibrium concept, its significance for economics and how it was different from classical economics. I felt that the work got the short shrift, and his illness and personality got the most attention. I would have loved to hear him talk about his thought process and how he arrived at the idea and so on. All in all, I think it's a valuable addition to any DVD library and a nice complement to the movie, but I don't think it's the most educating, informative or arresting documentary I have seen.

If the film A Beautiful Mind left you non-plussed, don't worry. Where Beautiful Mind was strewn with Hollywood concocted implausibilities and only hinted at the real, far more interesting story of John Nash, this *is* the real story and in this case, the real story is about 50 times more interesting than Hollywood's tricked up version. Where I didn't really care for Beautiful Mind, I found this documentary riveting. One of my favorite films, it is a fascinating study of a unique individual, his affliction, and his gift. And if you liked the Holywood version, you will still love having the holes in that story filled. Highest recommendation.

This explanation of John Nash's life is better and more inspiring than the movie version (Beautiful Mind).It displays a wonderful (though apparentlly immensely painful) transformation of a genius, fixated on accolades and self fulfillment, to a truly generous, forthright, and caring person who ultimately got the acclaim he desired.It is also a poignant and deserved tribute to the endurance of those who loved and cared for him. It brings to mind thoughts of Godly redemption.Hurray for John Nash and his family and friends.

When I was a very young girl, I remember the news reporting Nash's efforts to lose his American citizenship. My dad was also from WV so this was a story of interest to our family. I found this video very enlightening.

Great condition, in a timely fashion and at a reasonable price.

I teach AP Economics and use this video as part of my unit on the application of game theory to oligopolistic market structures. This video is factually accurate, unlike the movie it followed, so it is a way to bring the now famous mathematician to life as well as his contributions to game theory and how they have been applied to various types of economic analysis.

I bought this before so I new what to expect. The CD was new....so I had no problem.The contect is good

This well done documentary gives a fairly detailed understanding of the deeply troubled man who totally deserved the Nobel Prize.