Dev Patel is India’s most famous actor right now who successfully represents his country in the cinematic world, while Jeremy Irons is one of Britain’s most gracefully aged actors, whose acting ability has no logical explanation. When you have such actors from two different parts of the world and as good as they are, appearing in one film, it is an absolute treat for any movie lover who likes seeing an intelligent film such as THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY.
First time when I saw this film listed as part of the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015, I knew that I had no rights to miss it. So I did not. After the screening, I felt grateful for making the right decision to watch it, as it left me with nothing but great feelings of gratitude for the story that was shared in the film.
THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY follows an exceptionally talented and self-trained indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel), who becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor, G.H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons). Moreover, his outstanding work help the scientists to study black holes and realize the great mind Ramanujan had. However, this film touches not only the way Ramanujan worked, but his relationship with G.H. Hardy, who soon becomes his mentor, guide and friend.
Right from the beginning, Ramanujan does not know how to properly explain his ability to read numbers, while he had no education. He simply knew infinity without even realizing it. When he received a letter of acceptance from Cambridge University, Ramanujan’s happiness knew no limits. He quickly packs his luggage and leaves India for infinity, he wanted to proof that exists. He even leaves behind his charming wife, family and friends for a dream he always pursued.
Upon his arrival to the University, Ramanujan faces challenges as some professors did not want to see some indian guy in their university. The incident that occurs in the classroom quickly turns into an unpleasant experience where Ramanujan gains an enemy in the face of his professor, who felt offended after seeing Ramanujan’s intellectual mind. However, it’s the WWI and sickness that strikes Ramanujan and makes him extremely weak, but not lonely, as professor Hardy supports and fights for Ramanujan to prove to his colleagues that he is worth getting a chance to show his ability.
It’s a complete joy and feast for your eyes to see Jeremy Irons and Dev Patel sharing the same screen. Both deliver an emotionally charged performance, which allow them to be at their best. When you see such a performance, it is always obvious that without a love of craft you can’t do what Irons and Patel do together. Hardy appears very sensitive and in the meantime a very tough man, who guides Ramanujan, challenges him, and teaches him finally to find the infinity Ramanujan already knew.
THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY is an absolutely must see film by all means. This is one of those films where no excuses are allowed. It has everything to draw your attention; flawlessly written dialogues, beautiful cinematography, directing and a screenplay which had no gaps to complain about. It’s a film that will satisfy your curiosity and make you enjoy your Friday movie screening. So, see it yourself! Enjoy it. Because THE MAN WHO SAW INFINITY is totally worth it.