Simple Idea, made complicated, then made simple again.

Rating: Null/10 (10 July 2003)

The theme of this film is very simple. Discovering the `meaning of life' is a very self-destructive process.
ART-HOUSE OR NOT?
The main problem I have with this film is that it ultimately operates on an `art-house' level, but whets our taste with `mainstream themes' that are never realised.
At an `art-house' level the film works well, with our hero becoming more self-destructive as he nears his goal. Each time he gets closer to coming up with the mathematical `meaning of life' it becomes clearer that he must destroy himself (or his brain).
The problem with the film is that on the way to his `self-realisation', our hero becomes the object of `wall street' and `religion' in a very ominous and `mainstream' way. Both of these themes are instituted and dissolve without satisfaction, leaving the viewer wondering why they had been included at all.
SUMMARY
Simple philosophy expressed as something deep. Quite well done. 6/10.