The Man Who Knew Infinity

These biographical films, although probably romanticized, are useful in the way they inform the public about the contributions of exceptional individuals to the advancement of knowledge for mankind. When the film is well done, as is the case here, it is both informative and entertaining. The excellent "Imitation Game" last year was one of them recalling the exceptional and tormented life of Alan Turing, considered the father of modern computing. These films encourage curious people like me to deepen their knowledge of these persons and their accomplishments. The internet greatly facilitates this research.

Now this is the story of the little known Srinivasa Ramanujan, the brilliant mathematician of Indian origin, who died much too young at the age of 32 in 1920. I had vaguely heard of this man, but this film brought him beautifully to life for me.

Srinivasa Ramanujan had this unique ability to visualize mathematical equations and theorems, which he could then go on to prove their veracity. As a Mozart who is said to be able to imagine an entire symphony in his head.

Unable to neither deny nor curb his "intuitions" that constantly possessed him; his consecration was at the hands of the academicians of London in the early 20th century. But it was opposed by the obscurantist traditions of his home country, cynicism and conservatism of the scientific world at the time and the blatant racism of the Western world. Still, this consecration was acquired at a great cost to his health.

This story also reveals that if Srinivasa Ramanujan had been European or American instead of being Indian; he would have probably lived a full life in years and achievements.

This story underlines the greatest tragedy that still continues today on Earth, which are the indecent inequalities causing extreme poverty and hunger, that decimate an uncountable number of people and especially children. How many Ramanujan, Turing, Mozart and Einstein die every day without having had the chance to see their unique gifts flourish?

The Man Who Knew Infinity: a film not to be missed.