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We’ve all heard of renowned thinkers like Einstein and Newton, whose theories changed the way that we see the world around us. But in The Man Who Knew Infinity, writer/director Matt Brown introduces audiences to a man whose theories were just as ground-breaking—though not as widely known.
The Man Who Knew Infinity tells the true story of Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel), a brilliant mathematician from a poor area of India. Because of his humble background and his lack of a degree, no one would take him seriously—until Cambridge professor G. H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons) took notice of his mathematical theories. Leaving his wife and his culture behind him, Ramanujan moved to Cambridge just before the beginning of WWI to work with Hardy—but he found himself facing obstacles and opponents in his quest for publication.
This mathematician biopic might be a pretty tough sell—especially for anyone who dreaded high school algebra class. But The Man Who Knew Infinity isn’t really about math. Sure, there are often glimpses of complex equations that will make most viewers want to cry—and there are occasional discussions about things that are guaranteed to go right over your head (or, in my case, remind you why you gave up that math major). But the math aspects are secondary.
Really, the film is about a great mind—one who, despite the fact that you’ve probably never heard of him, deserves to stand among the world’s great thinkers. He didn’t come from a wealthy home. He wasn’t raised by intellectuals. He didn’t go to an Ivy League school. In fact, he came from a completely different culture. Yet, through hard work and determination—and a whole lot of sacrifice—he was eventually recognized for his achievements.
The story here may fit rather neatly into the usual formulas, but Ramanujan is still an intriguing character—an intellectual from a poor town on the other side of the world. He struggles to provide for himself and his family, yet he still takes the time to fill whole books with his theories and equations. And despite his humble background, he’s confident in his work—even egotistical at times—and that gives the character an edge.
Patel’s performance, meanwhile, helps the character step off the screen. This isn’t a big, bold, powerful role—yet Patel gives it the right amount of both strength and sentiment. As his character struggles to be true to his culture, his beliefs, and his abilities, he quietly endures all kinds of discrimination—and, in the process, he makes viewers truly care about the character and about what happens to him.
The Man Who Knew Infinity may not be the heavily-buzzed award season biopic of a well-known figure—but it’s a smart and thoughtful film, highlighted by noteworthy performances. And once you watch it, you’ll want to learn more about this fascinating figure.
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