Today’s quick review: Pi. Maximillian Cohen (Sean Gullette), a mathematical prodigy who suffers from untreatable epilepsy, spends his days searching for the numerical pattern behind the stock market. One day, a glitch in his computer reveals the existence of a 216-digit number that could be the key to the pattern. But as Max dives deeper into his search for the number, he begins to lose his grip on reality.
Pi is a psychological thriller from director Darren Aronofsky. The film follows a mathematician’s descent into paranoia and madness as he tries to uncover the universe’s greatest mathematical secrets. Pi features black-and-white photography, taut direction, and an unnerving numerological mystery. Its fascinating premise and unpredictable developments make it an engrossing watch, but the abstract nature of the myster limits its emotional payoff.
Pi’s themes of overactive pattern-matching and psychosis are reflected in its directorial style. As Max grows obsessed with finding the elusive number, he begins to hallucinate, lose track of time, and cut off contact with his few friends. There are a few shocking images, but the film falls short of actual horror. Instead, it’s a visceral chronicle of a man on the verge of a discovery that could cost him his sanity.
Pi does have a few drawbacks. The exact nature of the mystery is never clearly explained. Max’s search touches on mathematics, Talmudic numerology, and computer science, but never in a cohesive or logical way. The story’s individual plot threads are also treated loosely. Pi omits many of its details and leaves the audience to draw their own conclusions. This practice culminates in a shocking and tonally consistent ending that does not enlighten.
Try Pi if you are a fan of tense, cerebral, and well-crafted dramas. Its unsettling tone and abstract plot make it a niche pick, but viewers who fall into that niche will find it to be a solid watch. Skip it if you’re looking for a tight mystery or purer horror. For a psychological thriller that skews more towards horror, try The Machinist. For a biopic with similar themes and a more grounded style, check out A Beautiful Mind.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for an intriguing premise and strong craftsmanship.