Movies About Mathematicians

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman. It is based on the true story of John Nash, a mathematical genius who made groundbreaking contributions to game theory and economics, and won the Nobel Prize in 1994. The film follows Nash as he struggles with paranoid schizophrenia, which significantly impairs his ability to function in society and causes him to become increasingly isolated and delusional. With the help of his supportive wife, Alicia, and the mentorship of Dr. Rosen, Nash is able to slowly regain control of his life, eventually winning the Nobel Prize in Economics. In the process, he learns to accept his mental illness and teaches us all an invaluable lesson about the power of the human spirit.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game is a 2014 biographical drama directed by Morten Tyldum and written by Graham Moore, based on the biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch as British cryptanalyst Alan Turing, who helps crack the Enigma code during World War II, leading to the Allies' ultimate victory. Turing's genius is overshadowed by his homosexuality, as he is arrested and later chemically castrated for his sexual orientation. Despite these challenges, Turing leads a team of cryptanalysts, mathematicians, and intelligence officers at Bletchley Park in an effort to crack the Nazi's "unbreakable" Enigma code. The team eventually succeeds in creating a machine that can decipher Nazi communications, giving the Allies the upper hand in the war. The film also portrays Turing's struggle against prejudice and his ultimate triumph.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama about renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his extraordinary journey of life. It follows Stephen and his wife Jane's relationship from their early days as university students in the 1960s, through their marriage and the early stages of Stephen's diagnosis and struggles with motor neuron disease, up until the present day. Along the way, Stephen's brilliant work in theoretical physics and his fight against his own body are showcased, while his never-ending determination to make the most of life inspires and captivates. The film is a unique insight into the beauty and fragility of life, and a tribute to the power of the human spirit.

From Errol Morris, starring Stephen Hawking, Isobel Hawking, Janet Humphrey, Mary Hawking
Rated G

From Alejandro Amenábar, starring Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac, Ashraf Barhom
Rated R

From Michael Apted, starring Dougray Scott, Kate Winslet, Saffron Burrows, Jeremy Northam
Rated R