About A Brilliant Young Mind

A Brilliant Young Mind, originally titled X+Y, is a 2014 British drama film directed by Morgan Matthews. The movie narrates the life of Nathan Ellis (played by Asa Butterfield), a young boy dealing with the loss of his father and struggling with autism. Nathan's particular gift in numbers lands him a spot in the Math Olympiad, where he develops complex friendships, navigates his way through young love, and learns to cope with his unique perception of the world.

Making / Production

A Brilliant Young Mind was directed by Morgan Matthews and the screenplay was written by James Graham. The film was produced by David M. Thompson and Laura Hastings-Smith. The movie was inspired by 'Beautiful Young Minds,' a 2007 documentary which followed a team of hopefuls competing in the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Actors

• Asa Butterfield plays Nathan, a socially awkward mathematical prodigy, who struggles to build a simple relationship.
• Sally Hawkins plays Julie, Nathan's caring mother who makes endless efforts to connect with her son.
• Eddie Marsan plays Coach Humphreys, who takes Nathan under his wing to prepare him for the International Mathematics Olympiad.
• Rafe Spall plays Mr. Martin, a teacher who sees potential in Nathan.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was released under the name X+Y in the UK and as A Brilliant Young Mind in the USA.
• The film is loosely based on Morgan Matthews's 2007 documentary Beautiful Young Minds.
• During an emotional scene in the film, actor Asa Butterfield really slapped Sally Hawkins for authenticity. Sally was okay with it, according to an interview with MTV.

Quotes

• "Is it a good place, an interesting place? Then go. Does it scare you? Then go." - Mr. Martin to Nathan
• "I have lots of things to say. I'm just afraid to say them." - Nathan
• "Every time I look at him, I see you, and each time my heart breaks just a little bit more." - Julie

Music / Soundtrack

• The score for the film was composed by Martin Phipps, known for his work in "War and Peace" and "The Honourable Woman".
• One of the featured songs in the film, "Hooray for Everything", was performed by The Wipeouters.
• "Ocean", a song by The Velvet Underground, can also be heard in the movie.

Awards

The film was nominated for numerous awards, including two British Independent Film Awards (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress) and won the Truly Moving Picture Award at the 2015 Heartland Film Festival.