Analytical Art

Rating: Null/10 (5 October 2007)

A personal favourite director, and certainly in my books as one of the most talented and important directors of our modern age, Aronofsky here delivers a film for the mind, powerful to all the senses and absolutely interesting in every respect.
I have to confess to being a patterns and numbers enthusiast myself, although not as obsessed as Pi's main character Max, I do find the science and philosophy of mathematics to be highly intriguing. So when I heard of this film after seeing the brilliant "Requiem for a Dream", I decided I would have to see it soon. So tonight was that time, and I have to say, I was right! I loved the movie from beginning to end and was taken into Max's world as if it was my own, with all the parallels intact.
Not only this, but I love black and white photography and sure enough, it does look gorgeous in Pi. However I couldn't help but draw comparisons from this choice of shooting by Aronofsky, to the actual themes of the movie itself. In a way, the black and white photography enhances the themes throughout, representing the strict system of shade and movement of light in a way we don't normally see through our eyes. At one point in the film Max describes being blinded by the sun and for a small moment actually seeing things as they are and being to understand them.
Performances from the entire cast were fantastic with special mention to Gullette: someone whom I have undeservedly not heard of at all. And as always, Aronofsky directs and writes to an amazingly high standard, creating interesting fleshed-out characters and a highly intelligent, thought provoking story that just begs to be re-watched over and over.
Admittedly, this film is not for everyone. However, if you are a fan of the director, mathematics or any philosophical films made for thought- this one is a must-see. As for me, I absolutely adored it: It was definitely an instant favourite and a film that will stay with me for quite some time.