Excellent philosophical work

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2005)

Pi is a remarkable movie, and should be on the top 250 in place of Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream. Instead of being based on a Hubert Selby novel (Requiem) this story is incredibly unique and philosophically enchanting. Aronofsky uses black and white with grainy film to prove you don't need millions to make a worthy cinematic treat. His trademark use of excessive (or at least numerous) cuts is prevalent throughout the movie. However, it is the storytelling that makes me love this movie. The plot may be filled with mathematical loopholes and unsound theories (I imagine it would take at least a master's degree to know that, but apparently that just isn't enough for educational elitists these days), the excellent use of metaphors made me really enjoy the underlying meaning of the movie. Examples include the bugs in his apartment, as well as his delusions of seeing and manipulating his own brain. The whole movie is perfectly set up, with drum and bass music flowing during times of high thought and progress, and droning, mechanical music playing during times of mental anguish. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, it is a wonderful convergence of storytelling, philosophical meaning, metaphoric plot devices, proper use of sets, camera editing, and music. I wish more movies came together so perfectly in what they were attempting to convey to the audience. Anyone interested in non-standard movie fare, mathematical philosophy, independent film, or tormented genius films, should check this one out. Only a slow starting third act lowers my rating from 10 to 9.