Very impressive debut from Darren Aronofsky

Rating: 8/10 (15 October 2011)

I heard much about this film, and having been so impressed with Darren Aronofsky's other work especially The Wrestler and Requiem for a Dream I was all for seeing it. And I found it was very good, certainly an impressive debut for Aronofsky. It is probably my least favourite of what I've seen so far of his, however that doesn't mean it is bad at all, far from it.
Aronofsky's films are not for all, I think of his films I think his most accessible is The Wrestler, Requiem for a Dream is very hard-hitting with its theme, Black Swan's psychology is intense and very hard to take, The Fountain is very philosophical and perplexing and some may find Pi's film techniques too much at first. But actually, I don't consider these a bad thing, if anything that's why his films are so fascinating to me.
And I have to say I loved Pi's gritty film technique and thought it added much to the concept and tone of the film. The soundtrack is excellent, it broods with intensity and is very cleverly used. The script is both intelligent and bizarre, and the story in general is compelling and benefits from such an interesting concept, I have to say of Aronofsky's films I'd say Pi had the most intriguing idea.
Darren Aronofsky once again does a fine job directing, while the acting led by a charismatic Sean Gulette is very good. The pace generally is good, but loses its way a tad in the final third or so, and I also think it was about 5 or 6 minutes too short. But these don't harm the film too much considering how much promise it had and how much it delivered this.
Overall, very impressive. 8/10 Bethany Cox