Max Cohen has visual and auditory hallucinations and has become obsessed with the idea that mathematical models can be used to explain the nature of the universe. In researching the 216-digit number, he is followed by different individuals, such as a hedge fund manager on Wall Street and a Hasidic Jewish group.
The film was shot using a black-and-white image and heavily stylized. A minimalist electronic music score and fast cuts also add a different feel to the film. "Pi" was critically acclaimed and became a cult film.
Max Cohen (Sean Gullette) is a math prodigy living alone in Brooklyn. Max is obsessed with the idea that mathematical models can explain the nature of the universe. Max is researching a 216 digit number and is trying to develop an algorithm that will use this number to estimate the number pi.
Max's obsessive research introduces him to Lenny Meyer (Ben Shenkman), a hedge fund manager on Wall Street. Lenny believes that Max's work on the 216-digit number can be used to predict fluctuations in stock prices.
Max is also followed by a Hasidic Jewish group. This group believes in the sanctity of the number "216", which is part of Kabbalah. Max encounters the group's leader, Rabbi Cohen (Mark Margolis), several times.
Max's physical and mental health is compromised as a result of his obsessive research. He experiences visual and auditory hallucinations, regularly experiences headaches, and begins to isolate himself more and more from those around him.
Finally, the algorithm developed by Max succeeds and calculates the exact value of pi. But this success poses an even greater threat to his health.
The film was shot using a black-and-white image and heavily stylized. A minimalist electronic music score and fast cuts also add a different feel to the film. "Pi" was critically acclaimed and became a cult film.
Here are some interesting facts about the movie:
- The movie was shot on a budget of just $60,000. That's a pretty low budget for an independent film. In contrast, it grossed $3,000,000 in the US alone.
- The film's cinematographer, Matthew Libatique, would later serve as director of photography for films such as "Iron Man", "Black Swan" and "A Star is Born."
- Sean Gullette (Max Cohen) is the high school friend of screenwriter Darren Aronofsky.
- The mathematical symbols and equations used in the movie are real mathematical formulas and mathematical accuracy is at the forefront in the movie.
- Although the name of the movie is "Pi", the main subject of the movie is not the number pi, but the number 216. Pi is a metaphorical aspect of the movie.
- The symbolic scene in the final scene of the movie is actually a result of other symbolic scenes in the movie. In this scene, it is signaled that Max has found his freedom and put an end to his obsessive search.
- The film was screened in the Critics' Week section of the Cannes Film Festival, where Aronofsky won the award for Best First Feature.
- Although "Pi" was appreciated by critics, some mathematicians and scientists claimed that the mathematical aspect of the film was not correct.
- The film highlights the theme of "addiction", something Max despises, while Max himself becomes obsessed with mathematics, which has become an obsession.
- The soundtrack for the film was composed by Clint Mansell and was later used in Aronofsky's movie "Requiem for a Dream".
Director : Darren Aronofsky
Writers : Darren Aronofsky, Sean Gullette, Eric Watson
Director of Photography : Matthew Libatique
Music : Clint Mansell
Production : 1998 - USA - 84 m.
Genre : Drama / Mystery / Thriller
Writers : Darren Aronofsky, Sean Gullette, Eric Watson
Director of Photography : Matthew Libatique
Music : Clint Mansell
Production : 1998 - USA - 84 m.
Genre : Drama / Mystery / Thriller
CAST :
Sean Gullette
Mark Margolis
Ben Shenkman
Pamela Hart
Stephen Pearlman
Samia Shoaib
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