Nash walking out from M.I.T., he tells Nash that he saw Nash’s performance at The Pentagon.
William Parcher : […] Impressive work at the Pentagon. John Nash
: Yes, it was.
Parcher offers Nash a job working on a top secret mission to find hidden codes in magazines and newspapers. Parcher’s opinion emphasizes Nash belief
that he is the best code breaker. In Figure 53, from Parcher’s POV shot, we see Nash’s expression of proud when he heard that he is the best natural code-breaker.
Figure 53
William Parcher : By telling you what Im about to tell you, I am
increasing your security clearance... to top secret. Disclosure of secure information can result in
imprisonment. Get it?
John Nash : What operation? Those are a good idea.
[…] William Parcher : […] You see, John, what distinguishes you... is that
you are, quite simply, the best natural code-breaker I have ever seen.
John Nash : What exactly is it that you would like me to do?
William Parcher : Commit this list of periodicals to memory. Scan each
new issue, find any hidden codes, decipher them.
2. Delusion of Influence
Delusion of Influence is false belief of an individual that “enemies” are influencing him in various ways, as with complicated gadgets which send out
waves that interfere with his thoughts or “poor filth” into his mind.
In this film, Nash’s delusion of influence is shown in the scene in which Nash has to prove his genius as code breaker.
General : […] Weve been intercepting radio transmissions from
Moscow. The computer cant detect a pattern, but Im sure its code.
John Nash : Why is that, General? General
: Ever just know something, Dr. Nash? John Nash : Constantly.
Later, Nash is influenced by Parcher who offers Nash a job working on a top secret mission to seek out secret messages in mainstream media that Russian
are inserting to mobilize U.S. operations. Parcher’s opinion emphasizes Nash’s belief that he is the best code breaker. Nash’s delusion of grandeur as the best
code-breaker is strengthened by his delusion of influence. In Figure 54, a straight angle of Nash’s face shot when he memorized the list of periodicals.
Figure 54
William Parcher : Commit this list of periodicals to memory. Scan each
new issue, find any hidden codes, decipher them. Then, Nash’s job as secret agent becomes increasingly dangerous. After
being chased by the Russians and an exchange of gunfire, Nash becomes increasingly
paranoid and begins to behave erratically. Nash tells Parcher that he
wants to quit from the job because Alicia is pregnant, but Parcher influences Nash to keep working for him by saying that the Russians know that Nash has been
