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 Press Release  "A Beautiful Mind" provides a public service by educating us about an illness that throughout history has been shrouded in mystery and fear, according to Ms. Lieber. "The compelling story of John Forbes Nash, Jr., a math genius who battled schizophrenia, raises awareness and opens a dialogue about one of the least understood, most complex and devastating diseases that exist." In accepting the Oscar for Best Picture, producer Brian Grazer said, "I hope that in some way our movie helped to improve the way we feel about and treat the mentally ill." NARSAD believes filmmakers achieved this goal. They succeeded in making a movie that not only portrays mental illness with insight and compassion, but is a deeply moving testimonial to one man's battle with a devastating disease. Indeed, award-winning director Ron Howard showed his support for the mentally ill by sporting a silver ribbon from NARSAD Artworks on his lapel at the Oscar ceremony. The silver ribbon symbolizes the effort to combat stigma, tear down barriers to treatment and show support for all those who suffer from a brain disorder. Anyone who would like to order a silver ribbon is invited to go to the NARSAD Artworks web site. Many people think schizophrenia means split personality. But as "A Beautiful Mind" skillfully illustrates, schizophrenia is a life-shattering illness that causes people to lose their grip on reality, thrusting them into a terrifying world of hallucinations and delusions. Other symptoms include disorganized thought and speech, a loss of motivation and the inability to express emotion. Although enormous scientific progress has been made in the treatment of schizophrenia since John Nash was first diagnosed, tremendous stigma remains. One of the best ways to combat stigma is to promote a better understanding of brain disorders, while scientists work to discover new and better treatments through research, according to Ms. Lieber. For years, advocates for the mentally ill have had to fight stereotypical and appalling film portrayals of people with psychiatric disorders. Images of violent, bizarre, even loathsome characters in movies have contributed to misconceptions about brain disorders. "A Beautiful Mind" is a rare film that portrays mental illness with insight and compassion, with an ingenious story line that takes the audience into the mind of John Forbes Nash. We experience his hallucinations and the terror that his brain disorder provokes. Russell Crowe's stunning performance depicts the tragedy of a life torn apart by this severely debilitating illness. One would have to be made of stone not to feel sympathy and compassion for his character. And the film goes one step further, showing the effect the disease has on loved ones and family members. The actor's portrayal of schizophrenia rings true to life: from Nash's inability to distinguish between reality and unreality and his struggle to make sense of what is happening to him, to his slow, shuffling walk caused by the medication he is taking and the chain-smoking that is common in people with schizophrenia. The story of this genius who eventually wins the Nobel Prize for work he did as a young man shows us that schizophrenia can ravage even the most brilliant mind in the prime of life. In the film, and in real life, Nash eventually managed to function with the disease. He rejected his hallucinations -- a remarkable feat and certainly not the norm -- but Nash was an extraordinary man on many levels. He eventually went into remission. The love and support of family and friends played a role in his improvement. Indeed, the latest research shows the importance of such support systems, along with medication and other types of treatment, in the overall management of schizophrenia. Contrary to popular belief, many people with schizophrenia are able to become functioning members of society and lead fulfilling lives. About 25 percent of patients go into remission, and many others take medication that controls the disease. Film is a powerful medium, and "A Beautiful Mind" has been one of the most talked-about movies around. Nash's biography, on which the film is based, made it to the top of the national best-seller list after the film's release. In accepting the Oscar for Best Screenplay, writer Akiva Goldsman dedicated the award to his parents, who taught him that "when understanding people who suffer from mental illness, it is good to have a beautiful mind. But a greater gift still is to discover a beautiful heart." Sadly, many people say they have no desire to see "A Beautiful Mind," because they find the subject matter -- schizophrenia -- distasteful. "Perhaps the film's latest honors will change their minds. And we can only hope that with a greater understanding of schizophrenia, their repulsion will turn to compassion, and they will see mental illness in a different light," Ms. Lieber said. The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression salutes a thought-provoking film that ultimately will help change public perceptions of schizophrenia by showing it can strike even the most beautiful mind. And when it does strike, a number of treatment modalities, including medication and compassionate care in a supportive environment, can help put back the pieces of a broken life. |
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