An alarming number of independent films are generation X romantic comedies or they're about a group of quirky, likable bad guys (I love Quentin Tarantino, but every young new filmmaker seems to be ripping off the style he created). Typically, both of those types of independent films are filled with tons of pop culture references, and don't get me wrong, they're pretty cool, but I like independent films that are original, ya know? What ever happened to those? Well, last night, I saw the advanced screening of "Pi" (the movie's title is really the mathematical symbol/Greek letter "pi," but for this review, I'll use the word), and it's, without question, one of the most original movies I've ever seen. But it's not for everyone.
If you think that great cinema can be found in "Godzilla" or "Armageddon," then you won't like "Pi." It's too cerebral... there's too much thinking involved. It's a movie where math is key, and I HATE math. It's been called a "math thriller," but I think that's wrong. I'd say it has a lot more to do with obsession and madness.
The overall look of the film is very cool. Super stark black and white with very little gray (the film stock used was "black and white reversal"). It's VERY grainy, and it's always either too dark or too bright, but appropriately so. It fits the movie. Credit cinematographer Matthew Libatique for all that.
It was written and directed by first-time filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, based on a story by Aronofsky, Eric Watson, and the film's star, Sean Gullette. Aronofsky is gonna be huge. This movie will catapult him the way "Reservoir Dogs" catapulted Quentin Tarantino.
The performance by Sean Gullette is excellent. He's obsessed, intense, and going crazy. He's really good here, and he's another one who'll benefit from this film. Also, the music by Clint Mansell (former member of the band, "Pop Will Eat Itself") is great. Veteran character actor Mark Margolis is also in the film as the mentor of Sean Gullette's character, and he's very good. Also, there's a hottie in the movie named Samia Shoaib. She plays "Devi," the flirtatious neighbor. I hope to see more of HER in the future.
As much as I'm raving about this movie, it seems a little long, but it clocks in at under 90 minutes, so I dunno. Maybe it woulda made a much better short film. The visuals keep the interest going the whole time, though, so I never sat there bored.
I really liked this movie, despite it seeming too long. Wanna know something else? I hate to say this, but math is almost interesting!
Scale of 1-10: 8