The Man Who Knew Infinity

The Man Who Knew Infinity

Year: 2016

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Matt Brown

BiographyDrama

In the early 20th century, brilliant but impoverished Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan is discovered and brought to Cambridge University. There, he faces prejudice and challenges established academic norms with the support of his mentor, G. H. Hardy. Ramanujan's unique and divinely inspired mathematical theories revolutionize the field, leaving a lasting impact and forging an extraordinary legacy despite facing numerous obstacles.

Melancholic
Bittersweet ending
Moderately emotional
Medium intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

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Timeline & Setting – The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th Century

The early 20th century was a period marked by both scientific advancement and cultural conflict. This era saw significant developments in mathematics and many other fields, but it was also a time of colonial tension, with individuals from colonized nations facing discrimination and challenges abroad. Ramanujan's journey reflects the complexity of this period as he navigated his talents within a biased academic landscape.

Location

Madras, Cambridge, England

Madras, now known as Chennai, is a bustling coastal city in India, known for its rich cultural heritage and educational institutions. Cambridge, a historic city in England, is renowned for its prestigious university where great minds have flourished. The contrast between these two places highlights the cultural and academic journey of Ramanujan as he transitioned from India to England.

🇮🇳 India 🇬🇧 England 🎓 Academia

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:30

Main Characters – The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016)

Meet the key characters of The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Srinivasa Ramanujan

Srinivasa Ramanujan is a gifted mathematician whose incredible talent defies the circumstances of his poverty-stricken life in India. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Ramanujan faces both academic and personal challenges, showcasing remarkable resilience despite his struggles with health and cultural differences. His journey is not just one of mathematical achievement but also of profound emotional depth as he grapples with isolation and longing.

👨‍🎓 Mathematician 🇮🇳 Indian ❤️ Passionate

G.H. Hardy

G.H. Hardy is a renowned mathematician and Ramanujan's mentor at Cambridge University. He recognizes Ramanujan's unique talents and becomes a pivotal figure in his academic life, navigating the challenges of a prejudiced establishment to secure his place in the mathematical community. Hardy's unwavering belief in Ramanujan's genius reveals both his intellectual curiosity and his deep commitment to fostering talent in others.

🎓 Mentor 🔬 Supportive 🇬🇧 British

Janaki

Janaki is Ramanujan’s devoted wife, representing the emotional anchor in his life as he embarks on a challenging journey. Her character highlights the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of academic greatness, as she struggles with the loneliness of being separated from her husband. Janaki's love and concern provide a poignant backdrop to Ramanujan's struggles, as she yearns for connection amidst their difficult circumstances.

❤️ Wife 💔 Supportive 🇮🇳 Indian

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:30

Major Themes – The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016)

Explore the central themes of The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Intellect & Talent

The movie centers around the extraordinary intellect of Srinivasa Ramanujan, showcasing how raw talent can shine in the face of adversity. It explores the journey of a self-taught mathematician whose passion and brilliance earn him recognition despite the numerous challenges he faces. His talent becomes the vehicle for challenging societal norms and prejudices prevalent during that time.

🌏 Cultural Displacement

Ramanujan’s move to England highlights the theme of cultural displacement, showing the struggles of an immigrant navigating a foreign land while grappling with identity and belonging. The film poignantly captures the emotional turmoil and isolation he experiences, contrasting his rich heritage in India with the cold and unfamiliar environment in Cambridge.

❤️ Love & Sacrifice

The love story between Ramanujan and his wife Janaki is a poignant part of the narrative, illustrating the deep emotional bond they share, despite the physical distance separating them. Their relationship emphasizes themes of sacrifice, as Ramanujan's pursuit of knowledge forces them apart, and the emotional toll this distance takes on both of them.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:30

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Bittersweet Biographies of Brilliant Outsiders like The Man Who Knew Infinity

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a linear biographical arc, charting the protagonist's rise from obscurity to recognition. Central conflicts involve battling established institutions, societal prejudice, and often a personal struggle with illness. The journey is marked by significant intellectual victories, but these are shadowed by personal cost, leading to an ending that celebrates achievement while mourning loss.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a protagonist's dedication to a complex intellectual or creative pursuit. The primary conflict is often internal (doubt, obsession) and external (skepticism, institutional resistance, mentorship pressures). The narrative structure is straightforward, building methodically towards a moment of validation or discovery, but the emotional journey is characterized by a pervasive sense of loneliness and the weight of ambition.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared melancholic mood, steady pacing, and focus on the theme of intellectual passion clashing with the real world. They create a reflective, sometimes oppressive atmosphere, exploring the price of greatness and the loneliness that often accompanies exceptional talent.

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