Interesting idea; not enough substance

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 1999)

Aronofsky's debut shows the kind of potential he has as a director. Seeing what he did on a shoestring budget is a reminder of what Spielberg did with his debut in "Duel". Pi seems to have a very interesting plot as the film starts, however, sets off in the wrong direction thereafter.
The story surrounds the discovery of a man named Max, a genius mathematician who spends what seems like all of his time on his computer looking for a pattern in numbers that none of his predecessors could find. Eventually Max comes upon these numbers in what seems to be a fluke situation and from here on in, he begins his downfall. Max is the victim of violent headaches as a result of staring at the son when he was six-years-old. The fact that this was thrown into the plot seems unnecessary and really has no effect on the film. I believe that Aronofsky should have just left these violent headaches to his unending desire to figure out the patterns.
Up to this point, the film goes well until unnecessary third parties are thrown into the equation. The choice of stock brokers and ultra-orthodox jews aren't most people's idea of the bad guys in film (try substituting these groups for villains found in any action film and you'll see what I mean). One scene involving Max being dragged into the car by the Moses-like beards that comprised the religious group is funnier that most Saturday Night Live skits even though it isn't meant to be.
Aronovsky chooses to use these new catalysts to drive Max crazy quicker. Sticking to his obsession with numbers would have been more effective and probably a lot more interesting since these groups are not at all menacing.
The use of grainy black-and-white film was a nice touch here. It really helps to show that there is no cohesiveness in Max's life and how unimportant he would be if someone else got there hands on the number. The ending is also very satisfactory, tying up the film the best way possible. Sean Gullette's performance as Max is also very believable and quite gripping. Without Gullette, this film would be nothing as his emotions are what really keep it going.
Can't wait to see what Aronofsky has in store.
7/10 stars.