a little imagination required

Rating: Null/10 (17 September 2003)

If you have not seen "Pi", please beware that some things mentioned in this commentary are spoilers.
Some people say that "Pi" is too out there and too unrealistic and that it is religiously inaccurate. So. Maybe "Pi" can be a little unrealistic at times. I don't see how a movie made about a fictional story can't be a little unrealistic at some points. That is not a fault, it is artistic expression.
I liked this movie, a lot. I have a respect and admiration for the work that went into making a movie that was directoraly innovative. It has wonderful acting, and the soundtrack completes the images perfectly. Although i have to recommend that it be viewed in the light of day and not at night with many lights turned off. You may experience some headaches due to the black and white filming that is in extreme and bright contrast.
Some people say that Max was crazy, that he was overwhelmed by his headaches, halusinations, and perscription drugs. I can understand that. Max is looking for the ultimate order in chaos. A way to understand the stock market, something that is supposed to be completely random. Something that no one should reasonably have the answers to.
I feel that Max is not crazy. Let's say that the 216 digit number is the name of God. Would Max knowing it not give him the ability to address God by name. Allowing him to speak to Him. You could interpret Max's delusions as a form of religous visions (like Joan of Arc, but freakier).
Now, about computers reaching a level of conciousness through the realization of the number, and then dieing. Would it not be reasonable that if you happened to be a computer, and you became concious of yourself, that you too would not want to stay being a computer. Maybe the computer chooses death. Or, maybe in it's death, it realizes conciousness. This may not be realistic, but it the world of movies it can happen.
The experiences of Max could be viewed as a complex religious experience, or the delusional and dangerous life of an obsessed mathmitician. My suggestion is that you let "Pi" do what any other movie does, let it tell you a story.
Every movie must be watched with the possability of what if? Movies are our dreams acted out in front of us. Without the imagination, movies would not exist.