Writer Akiva Goldsman guides us through the long and winding road to the production of 2001's Best Picture Oscar winner A BEAUTIFUL MIND. Inspired to take on the challenge of adapting the book by growing up in a house that fostered kids with mental illness, Akiva's connection to the material was evident in his first pitch to Ron Howard's partner Brian Grazer. He knew the subject had to be handled with the appropiate respect and sensitivity, but was also incredibly creative in his vision for how to cinematically portray the intricacies of schizophrenia. Star Russell Crowe, who had to leave in the middle of filming to accept his Oscar for GLADIATOR, was particular and precise in a role that helped define his career.