Ever wonder what happened to the likes of movies such as ‘The Imitation Game’, ‘Good Will Hunting’ and ‘Shawshank Redemption’? Whatever happened to movies which focused on simple storytelling over dollar-grabbing, over-budged blockbusters that are expected to make more money than the mafia? Fret not, we finally have another winner. And with one of the greatest Indians of all time? Hear hear!
‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’ is a beautifully crafted biopic based on the book with the same name, telling the story of a famous and self taught man of numbers, Srinivasa Ramanujan, whose mathematical discoveries and findings took him around the world and into the hands of Professor Hardy of Cambridge University during WW1. They soon dwell into their minds and unlock the secrets to advanced mathematics, and brew an unconventional relationship, one that does not make its way this pleasantly enough on to film.
SPOILERS! Just kidding, it’s based on a true story pfft. Keep on reading.
The movie has the word ‘discovery’ as the helm of its storyline. We are introduced to a lovely representation of a 1913 India, a unique world from which Ramanujan emerges. He is crafted quite steadily, showing his beginnings with his family, wife and the local villagers around him. From writing math equations that roams his minds on the floors of the local temple, the 30 something math wizard makes his way to the UK to indulge in something that is bigger than his numbers for the first time in his life. The cultural shock hits him as expected yet he puts up with it as he believes he is there to change peoples’ lives with his work. While others may not seem too kind as they are used to the more ‘paler’ side of people, he is welcomed with handshakes over prayerful gestures at the gates of the university and is supported by people who believe in change more than anything. The 1900’s was a whole other time, one that expressed a whole lot of ‘colorful discrimination’. Hardy stands up for his new friend in the mathematical courts, hoping they recognize his brilliance and make note of his work by giving an elegant speech about his friend on his breakthroughs, religious beliefs and passion.
Although what really brings this delightful story to life isn’t the numbers but the chemistry Ramanujan and Hardy share. Whilst their cultural and religious differences and unalike approaches to problem solving seem to have proven to be challenging, a friendship is brewed through the flame they create overtime, one which is more silent than obvious. The plot holds the truth as its based on actual events, and goes ahead to show the protective nature and traditional-minded nature of Ramanujan’s mother as she tries to separate him from his wife. While trying to live out his dreams, he also does it in the hopes to take care of the both of them who seek his support.
You would think something as serious as being diagnosed with tuberculosis would stop him, you are wrong. He continues on his road to success to prove himself by enduring a painful life during the war. He is remembered not for his discoveries but for the humble and loving man he was amongst his family and friends. A fine man whose discoveries get published, he is made a member of a prestigious and elite group of mathematical members.This rendition of the famous mathematician leaves not only the people in his life with warm hearts but with you feeling for this simple natured man and all the people who have supported his bright journey.
Dev Patel has made it onto a number of great movies like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Chappie’, and ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, but none those have allowed him to stretch his acting chords like this movie has as Srinivasa Ramanujan. His acting prowess breathes life into this traditional brahmin who gives up a whole lot more than just his wife and family to fulfill his dreams. His interactions with both people and inanimate objects are quite interesting to watch, while he constantly reminds himself of who he is and where he comes from. Jeremy Irons plays the sharp Professor Hardy, whose talent ranges from narrating to acting and back to narrating, that baritone voice, I tell you. We see him bring to life the shy old man who accepts Ramanujan’s findings and instills humility into his friend who comes from very little. It’s quite interesting to see the dynamics between these two polar opposites play out, like opposing magnets coming together. Things get even better with the merriness of Hardy’s friend Mr. Littlewood played by Toby Jones. Along with all the notorious outbursts around poor Ramanujan, he reminds Hardy to stay by Ramanujan’s side when times are hard. Ramanujan’s wife Janaki played by newcomer Devika Boise brings about her an unspoken and traditional love for her husband, which is quite warming as she waits for him back in India.
While the movie might possess an unfamiliar storyline, it manages to stay exactly in line with every true story movie that is based off of a book, making it lack originality and does not manage to surpass them, although in a few trivial ways mostly, all of which can be forgiven for. A lot may argue over the movie’s depiction of the main element of the movie, that being advanced mathematics. Being a complex subject, the movie manages to breeze over the idea, with talks of how important it is, its place in our world and how it can bring about great change if solved. A momentous movie like this is accompanied by light hearted humor, especially between Professor Hardy and his friend Mr. Littlewood and is something to look forward to. Along with the discoveries that were brought to light during that time, the movie hints at one which was soon to be made right after that, one which was also discovered in the name of Ramanujan, which is definitely something to watch out for.
Matt Brown has managed to be the real discovery over here with his exceptional storytelling and directorial skills for a newcomer. He has managed to bring one of the most bold and untold stories of the 20th century to us all who have expected a lot from fine cinema and to those people such as myself who never paid attention during his history lectures. It not only shows off its hero’s bright tale but the bonds in friendship that can make the very difference in the world people are hoping to receive. With its beautiful imagery and background music that compliments one another simultaneously, Brown has proven to be a master behind a camera. It’s not necessarily a bad thing when we are graced by a unique movie like this once in a while as you will find yourself appreciating such cleverly crafted, heartfelt movies when they make themselves rare to us. ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’ is one which is a painting with a whole bunch of colours and makes its way into cinemas on May 5th!
Check out the trailer below:
