Pi

"Pi" follows the intense journey of Maximillian Cohen, portrayed by Sean Gullette, a brilliant but troubled mathematician on the brink of unraveling the mysteries of the universe. Obsessed with the idea of numerical patterns and their omnipresence in nature, Max spends his days locked away in an apartment filled with notes and equations that reflect his mania. Struggling with deteriorating mental health, he becomes increasingly isolated, driven by his desire to unlock the secrets of life through his mathematical prowess. The pressures of his discoveries and his spiraling paranoia make for a gripping exploration of genius and madness, as Max seeks to prove that everything in existence, including the stock market, can be predicted through numbers.

As Max delves deeper into his obsession, he encounters Sol Robeson, played by Mark Margolis, an exiled mathematician who once sought out similar truths within the universe. Sol's character serves as both mentor and cautionary tale, revealing the dark side of such relentless pursuit of knowledge. Their discussions not only highlight the profound implications of mathematical discoveries but also emphasize the fragile state of Max’s mind as he becomes increasingly consumed by fear and paranoia. The dynamic between Max and Sol is pivotal, as it accentuates the philosophical debate on the nature of knowledge and the ethical repercussions of using such insights to manipulate reality.

Ultimately, "Pi" leaves the audience with haunting questions about the limits of human understanding and the potential consequences of pursuing knowledge without restraint. The film’s stark, black-and-white cinematography, along with its disorienting score, perfectly captures the claustrophobic and frenetic atmosphere that surrounds Max's journey. As he unravels the link between numbers and reality, viewers are taken on a wild ride through the convoluted landscape of mathematics, paranoia, and existential despair, culminating in a thought-provoking conclusion that lingers well after the credits roll.

Main Cast of Pi

Mark Margolis delivers a haunting and deeply nuanced performance as Sol Robeson in Darren Aronofsky's 1998 psychological thriller "Pi." As Max Cohen's (Sean Gullette) mentor and a retired mathematician who survived a stroke, Margolis's Sol is a figure of both wisdom and warning, a man whose intellectual prowess was once matched by his own hubris. Margolis imbues Sol with a world-weary gravitas and a palpable sense of regret, expertly conveying the character's internal struggle between his fascination with the mathematical patterns that govern the universe and the pain of having pushed too far in his quest for knowledge. His performance is a delicate balance of tenderness and torment, offering guidance to Max while subtly reflecting the toll that obsession can take on the human mind. Margolis's portrayal is memorable for its restraint and the profound emotional depth he brings to a film that explores the intersection of genius, madness, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of existence.

In Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller "Pi" (1998), Ben Shenkman delivers a compelling performance as Lenny Meyer, a Hasidic Jew and former child prodigy with a deep interest in the numerical and mystical properties of the Torah. Shenkman's portrayal of Lenny is both enigmatic and intense, capturing the character's fervent belief in the interconnectedness of mathematics, religion, and the natural world. His performance is a blend of charisma and unsettling obsession, as Lenny's quest for spiritual and intellectual truth leads him down a dark path, entangling him with the film's protagonist, Max Cohen, played by Sean Gullette. Shenkman brings a palpable sense of unease to the role, as Lenny's initially warm and engaging demeanor gives way to a more sinister and desperate energy, driven by his fanatical desire to unlock the secrets he believes are hidden within the patterns of the universe. His interactions with Max are laden with a mix of camaraderie and rivalry, which ultimately contributes to the film's tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. Shenkman's nuanced depiction of Lenny Meyer adds a layer of complexity to the film, offering a haunting embodiment of a character caught between the rational and the divine.

Secondary Cast of Pi

Kristyn Mae-Anne Lao

Jenna

Espher Lao Nieves

Jenna's Mom

Joanne Gordon

Mrs. Ovadia

Tom Tumminello

Ephraim

Henri Falconi

Kaballah Scholar

Isaac Fried

Kaballah Scholar

Ari Handel

Kaballah Scholar

Oren Sarch

Kaballah Scholar

Lloyd J. Schwartz

Kaballah Scholar

Richard Lifschutz

Kaballah Scholar

David Strahlberg

Kaballah Scholar

Peter Cheyenne

Brad

David Tawil

Jake

J.C. Islander

Man Presenting Suitcase

Ray Seiden

Transit Cop

Scott Franklin

Transit Cop (voice)

Chris Johnson

Limo Driver

Sal Monte

King Neptune

Crew of Pi