Pi: Faith in Aronofsky

Rating: 7/10 (5 May 2009)

Sometimes a film is just so strange that you've only got an inkling of the filmmaker's intention and you have to trust that it's somehow woven together in genius fashion. That's where "Pi" lies, somewhere between the random and the perfectly calculated. Creator Darren Aronofsky appears to have run rampant in his feature debut, but one can easily argue that he's thought everything out meticulously. As a result, "Pi," will satisfy the tastes of some and completely fool others.
The main character is Max Cohen, a mathematical genius with some serious issues that lead to pill-popping. He believes in the power of math as a universal language -- nature's language and that there are patterns to everything. With the help of his supercomputer, he embarks on a task to determine a pattern governing the stock market, only what he's on to - - a 216-digit strand of the numerical value of Pi -- has a lot at stake for Wall Street and even a sect of Cabalistic Hasidic Jews who believe it holds Messianic clues.
If a word could describe "Pi" in both plot and it's film-making, "obsession" would be the best choice. Aronofsky's shot sequences, with repetition and attaching the camera to his actors and the choppiness of the film suggest just how crazy this matter is to both Max and those transfixed on numbers. As Max immerses himself further in the mystery, things only get more chaotic. You get the sense that Aronofsky knew exactly what he was doing, but because it's so abstract and difficult to grasp, you're not totally sure if it all works. The fact that it's filmed in black and white might also suggest the same "random pattern" idea of the film. What seems to be so clear cut is really more maddening.
"Pi" might just be one of those "second viewing required" films. It's a cerebral thriller and relentless at that, clearly meant for the tastes of abstract movie watchers. Nevertheless, Aronofsky demonstrates some impressive skills, ones that no doubt led to his success in cult hit "Requiem for a Dream" years later.