Movies About A Genius

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a biographical film based on the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most influential classical composers of all time. Set in Vienna, Austria during the late 1700s and early 1800s, the film follows the life and career of the young Mozart and his rival, the court composer Antonio Salieri. The film explores the artistic rivalry between the two composers, with Salieri becoming increasingly jealous of Mozart's sublime musical talent. The film culminates in a climax that reveals the truth behind Salieri's spiteful actions and paints a vivid portrait of the musical genius of Mozart. Ultimately, the film allows viewers to witness the impact Mozart had on classical music and how his legacy endures to this day.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American film directed by Gus Van Sant. The plot follows Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a 20-year-old South Boston janitor, who has a remarkable aptitude for mathematics. After one of his professors discovers his talent, Will is introduced to a distinguished therapist, Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), who helps him come to terms with his past and find his purpose in life. As Will progresses, he must decide between staying in the comfort of his old working-class life or taking the risk to pursue his potential. Along the way, he develops a relationship with Skylar (Minnie Driver), a Harvard student who helps him learn to trust and love. The film follows Will's journey towards maturity and self-realization.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind follows the true story of John Nash, a brilliant but troubled mathematician. After making a revolutionary breakthrough in game theory, Nash, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery. With the help of his wife, Alicia, and a devoted friend, Nash ultimately triumphs in his battle against mental illness, albeit at great personal cost. Along the way, he finds the courage to confront his greatest fears and discovers hope in the most unlikely places. With its powerful exploration of mental illness, A Beautiful Mind shines a light on the human capacity for strength, resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Tim Roth, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Mélanie Thierry, Bill Nunn
Rated R

The Legend of 1900 tells the story of a mysterious abandoned baby who is found on an ocean liner at the turn of the 20th century and named "1900" after the year of his discovery. Raised by the ship's crew, 1900 becomes a virtuoso pianist and remains on board the ship for his entire life. He befriends a trumpet player, Max, and through his musical gifts earns the admiration of the passengers and crew of the ship. When the ship is sold and is about to embark on its final voyage, 1900 decides to stay on board and face an uncertain future. The film follows his journey as he experiences the joys and sorrows of life, and ultimately finds his place in the world.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive and selfish yuppie, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant whom Charlie never knew existed. The film follows Charlie's quest to get to know his brother and his attempts to gain a share of their father's estate. Along the way, Charlie learns valuable lessons about himself, his brother and the bond of family. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $354 million worldwide and winning four Oscars at the 61st Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director for Levinson and Best Actor for Hoffman.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game is a 2014 biographical drama film directed by Morten Tyldum, about British mathematician Alan Turing, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who helps crack the Enigma code during World War II. Turing, who was persecuted for his homosexuality and eventually committed suicide, is posthumously granted a royal pardon. The film follows Turing's journey from childhood to his eventual success in breaking the Enigma code. Turing is recruited by British intelligence to work at Bletchley Park with a group of codebreakers, tasked with deciphering the German Enigma code. The team must find a way to break the code, while struggling to keep their work hidden from the Nazis. Turing eventually invents the world's first computer, a machine called "Christopher", which is able to break the code. The film shows the struggle of the team, as they are constantly under pressure to crack the code, while Turing faces scrutiny and discrimination due to his homosexuality. In addition, Turing must also confront his own inner struggles and come to terms with his past. In the end, the team succeeds in breaking the code and Turing is posthumously granted a royal pardon. The film ultimately celebrates Turing's accomplishments and his legacy, which continue to inspire generations to

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

October Sky is a biographical drama film directed by Joe Johnston. Set in 1957, the film follows Homer Hickam, Jr., a high school student from Coalwood, West Virginia, who is inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 to take up rocketry against the wishes of his father, a coal mine superintendent. Despite the dangers of his endeavor, Homer and his friends build their own rockets, eventually leading them to compete in the National Science Fair. Along the way, Homer learns valuable lessons about life, family, and friendship, as well as the importance of following one's dreams.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything tells the story of Stephen Hawking’s remarkable journey from his early days as a bright young student at Cambridge University, through his diagnosis of a motor neuron disease, to his rise to international stardom as one of the world’s most celebrated physicists. It follows his development of groundbreaking theories on time and the universe, his marriage to Jane Wilde, and the birth of their three children. The film also explores the deep devotion and sacrifice of his wife, as she works to support him while also pushing him to achieve his scientific goals. Ultimately, The Theory of Everything celebrates the power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

From Scott Hicks, starring Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Justin Braine, Sonia Todd
Rated PG-13

Shine is a biographical drama film released in 1996, directed by Scott Hicks. It follows the life of Australian classical pianist David Helfgott, as he struggles with mental illness and strives to fulfill his remarkable potential. The film is based on the true story of Helfgott, who was driven by his domineering father to pursue excellence in music, only to succumb to a breakdown and a life of poverty and isolation. Through the help of a therapist and the support of his loving wife, Helfgott slowly recovers and eventually returns to the stage. The film follows Helfgott's journey from childhood prodigy to international concert pianist, exploring his personal struggles and inner demons along the way. Shine illustrates the power of determination, friendship, and family in one man's triumphant journey to overcome the odds and fulfill his destiny.

From Tom Tykwer, starring Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman, Alan Rickman, Francesc Albiol
Rated R

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a 2006 period drama directed by Tom Tykwer, starring Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, and Dustin Hoffman. Set in 18th century France, the film follows the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille (Whishaw), an orphan with an incredible sense of smell. After discovering his extraordinary talent and ambition, Jean-Baptiste seeks to create the perfect perfume, which he believes will make him immortal. In order to do so, he must embark on a murderous quest for the perfect scent. Along the way, Jean-Baptiste encounters a variety of characters, all of whom help shape his destiny. As the film progresses, viewers witness Jean-Baptiste's transformation into a powerful and dangerous figure.

From Steven Zaillian, starring Joe Mantegna, Ben Kingsley, Max Pomeranc, Joan Allen
Rated PG

From Neil Burger, starring Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro
Rated PG-13

From Liz Garbus, starring Bobby Fischer, David Edmonds, Anthony Saidy, Susan Polgar
Rated TV-14

From Kirsten Sheridan, starring Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Rated PG

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman, Pamela Hart
Rated R

From Gus Van Sant, starring Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin
Rated PG-13

From Stephen Kijak, starring Sara Kestelman, Arnie Potts, Jarvis Cocker, Scott Walker
Rated Not Rated

From Ed Harris, starring Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Robert Knott, Molly Regan
Rated R

From Edward Zwick, starring Tobey Maguire, Liev Schreiber, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rated PG-13

From Robert Altman, starring Tim Roth, Paul Rhys, Adrian Brine, Jean-François Perrier
Rated PG-13

From Martha Coolidge, starring Val Kilmer, Stacy Peralta, Daniel Ades, Andres Aybar
Rated PG

From John Madden, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis, Jake Gyllenhaal
Rated PG-13

From Jodie Foster, starring Jodie Foster, Dianne Wiest, Adam Hann-Byrd, Alex Lee
Rated PG

From Michael Apted, starring Dougray Scott, Kate Winslet, Saffron Burrows, Jeremy Northam
Rated R

From Jon Turteltaub, starring John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall
Rated PG