WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Breakthrough, revolutionary, paradigm-shifting discovery. Only so often is someone able to bring about such radical change in theory, mathematical or scientific, much less be provided the platform to present it in such a way as to alter even the most elite community’s notions and teachings. Finally, more impressive still is that said findings last through the decades. It is 1920’s Madras, India, and a poor but stalwart young man, Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel), struggles to provide for himself and wife Janaki (Devika Bhise), even as he also doggedly pursues a driving passion–mathematical theory. Moreso, his natural genius enables him to glean extraordinary new postulations and concepts, much to the befuddled awe of most other people he knows.
Sending a letter with examples of his work to England’s Trinity College, it more than captures the attention in of elite professor G.H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons) and his peer, Professor Littlewood (Toby Jones). Sent a request asking for him to travel to England and offer more of his findings, ideally to be published, Srinivasa faces both support and resistance to the entire idea from both Janaki and his mother. Ultimately unthwarted, Ramanujan makes the journey and, after meeting Hardy, embarks on a partnership which challenges the young mathematician to not just “know” what he comes up with is right, but to provide proofs. In the shadow of WWI and prejudices within Trinity College ranks, two men from decidedly different worlds work to change hearts, minds, and the world of mathematical theory forever.
Next, my Mind:
This reviewer freely admits not at all being familiar beforehand with the story of S. Ramanujan, and so despite what are most likely the possible, inherent faults or inaccuracies found in biographical films of this nature vs. actual events or history, let this not at all take away from writer/director/producer Matt Brown’s amazingly human narrative presented here. Beautifully filmed, with the contrasting vistas and societal/cultural aspects of Madras and Trinity College at the forefront, the tale weaves along with purposeful intention, highlighting key moments in this incredible genius’ life and interactions with Hardy, plus how he overcame the myriad of obstacles he needed to in order to see his work, at least in its initial form, come into the world at large. Emotionally charged and solid in its delivery, even if perhaps seen by some as an effectively “plain” effort, this reviewer feels that is an injustice to a well done project, and comparisons to “larger” biopics like a “Steve Jobs”, “The Social Network”, or “The King’s Speech” seem unfair and impractical, as simplicity is this movie’s strength.
Patel makes up one half of a dynamic duo in the film, and his portrayal of Ramanujan is heartfelt, sincere, and earnest as he brings out the specific characteristics of a young mind so filled with infinitesimal ideas that his excitement to share it and have it permanently engraved on an elite institution’s ideologies and doctrine sometimes gets in the way of the basic need to prove what he so often advises is simply, and even Divinely, ushered into his head. Realistically showing the turmoil, physically and emotionally, Ramanujan faced, Patel makes you believe. Likewise, iconic British actor Jeremy Irons lends his commanding presence and voice to his role as Hardy, infusing him with all the doubts and questions he has about Ramanujan before meeting him, and then showcasing how Hardy, even if reluctantly at first, warms up to him to the point of being willing to defend him and his ideas at all costs, reputation or otherwise, in order to see the proven work of a brilliant mind recognized and accepted, as well as an entirely new world of theory born from it.
With great supporting turns by newcomer Bhise as Ramanujan’s very long-suffering but loyal wife Janaki and Jones as fellow supporter Littlewood, plus superb character actors Stephen Fry, Jeremy Northam, Malcolm Sinclair, et al, it all converges to round out what is truly an inspiring, stirring, character-driven, drama about following a dream, conquering cultural differences, seeing the beauty of intellect, and pioneering change for the betterment of all.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
