A Brilliant Madness

Thursday, April 17, 2003 – 7:30pm
USA, 2002. Director: Mark Samels

A Brilliant Madness is the story of a mathematical genius whose career was cut short by a descent into madness. At the age of 30, John Nash, a stunningly original and famously eccentric MIT mathematician, suddenly began claiming that aliens were communicating with him and that he was a special messenger. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Nash spent the next three decades in and out of mental hospitals, all but forgotten. During that time, a proof he had written at the age of 20 became a foundation of modern economic theory. In 1994, as Nash began to show signs of emerging from his delusions, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in Economics. The documentary features interviews with John Nash, his wife Alicia, his friends and colleagues, and experts in game theory and mental illness. John Nash’s life was also depicted in the 2002 Academy Award winning best film, ‘A Beautiful Mind’.
Colour, video, 60 mins.

The program will include:
A post-screening discussion with:
Dr. William MacEwan, Clinical Professor and Director, Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia. Dr. MacEwan will lead a discussion on various aspects of schizophrenia, including the importance of early intervention. Introduction by Jane Duval, Director, Policy Development and Communications, BC Schizophrenia Society.

Evening moderated by:
Dr. Harry Karlinsky Director of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia

This evening is co-sponsored by the BC Schizophrenia Society