A Beautiful Mind (2001)

I've always wondered if geniuses are more apt to be mentally unsound, or if genius is a product of madness. Of course, it is really not all-too surprising that so many intellectuals are often plagued with mental disorders; they spend so much time in their head. This idea fuels the basic concept of one of my favorite films, A Beautiful Mind, made in 2001 by Ron Howard. It transcends the confines of a biopic, in this case relaying the story of noted schizophrenic mathematician John Forbes Nash, and becomes a gripping drama, a love story, and a moving portrait of psychological ailments.

Paper Moon (1973)

"It's only a paper moon, hanging over a cardboard sea…"

These are the lyrics, crooned mellowly by Ella Fitzgerald, that accompany the art deco beginning credits of the aptly titled Paper Moon, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. At that moment, before any character had been seen, before the words Introducing Tatum O'Neal flashed across the screen following the rest of the cast list, I knew I was watching something special.