MovieChat Forums > Pi (1998) Discussion > Unicorns: Pi Pie

Unicorns: Pi Pie

posted 10 years ago by ab-gangulee-00
2 replies | jump to latest

This movie does a nice job in presenting natural wonders that arise seemingly with definitive geometric proportions (i.e., the perfect spherical shape of planets).

We think of objects in the universe having complex and unpredictable structure and shape, but we ironically find precise and regular shapes repeating predictably (i.e., spiral-shaped whirlpools in the water, the double-helix structure of DNA, the perfect circular overlay of lunar/solar eclipses, the symmetrical proportions of the left-right sides of the human body, etc.).

Euclid suggested in his grand theories of geometry that strange ratios and measurements can be derived with values such as pi, the golden ratio, and angular relationships of idealized shapes such as right triangles.

"Pi" (1998) invites us to probe the mind of a gifted but schizophrenic mathematician named Max whose dealings with mystics, his mentor, and various people in his life are connected to his revelations of structure and change and how these revelations are both ironically troubling him and inspiring him.

Change is a very interesting concept, and "Pi" (1998) is filled with symbols about change or dynamics (and uncertainty and imagination).

A unicorn is a cryptic mythological creature said to resemble a horse with a conical horn protruding from its forehead. While there is no scientific proof a unicorn actually exists in nature, its horn has come to symbolize focus, determination, and free will, since of course, it extends from the center of the head which houses the brain/mind.

What if we come up with a Unicorn Triangulation Theory of mathematics --- one that explores the dynamic relationship between structure and pinpointing? Such a theory would not only augment fun discussions in matrix mathematics, a peculiar field itself, but it would also illuminate why a movie such as "Pi" (1998) serves as evidence of a natural human curiosity about geometry glee.

😷

Euclid:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclid

Matrix Math:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_(mathematics)

Unicorns:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicorn

🇱🇷

[–] vortexrider 10 years ago

I think that by focusing on all the math and mathematical ideas of the film you're actually missing the whole point of the film.
It is not about the research Max is doing, mathematical theories, or Bible numerology.

It is about a man who is obsessing over something that has no significance to

[–] vortexrider 10 years ago

Looks like I didn't finish my sentence.
....no significance to most people and that which does not make somebody happy. It is like an infinite problem a human being shouldn't hope to solve but just observe and enjoy complexity and accept that there are unknowable or unexplainable things.
For example his friend Sol keeps saying that world I chaos and not order and says "here is game Go and therefore world is chaos". I do not know whether the director is unfamiliar with Go or intentionally had Sol that and that Sol doesn't actually believe it. That's because if he plays Go he should know that mathematicians and programmers do know that Go, like chess, can be solved and all existing positions and moves could be mapped. It is precisely opposite of chaos. But that isn't something any human being can solve or comprehend. They can still however enjoy games like Chess, Go, and perhaps observe the application of the Pi number in nature or math.
Games like Go and Chess are determinant, not random or chaotic. If they're "solved" by computer some time in the future then you can know that the computer will always make exactly the correct move if it wants to win.

It's like a chess joke "What move would God make on the chess board if he were playing against himself? If we're playing black his immediate move would be to resign."