Scientists & Geniuses

The Theory of Everything (2016)

The true story of Stephen Hawking, starting during his studies when he was a heathy young man full of ideas and love. This films shows not only how he influenced science, but also how his wife and her support enabled him to continue his work despite his illness. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones have a great chemistry on screen and deserved their many accolades for these performances.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

A young man from a poor neighbourhood in South Boston is working as a janitor at MIT. There he amazes a math professor by being able to solve difficult tasks just for fun. Being able to accept his talent and do something with it, however, is a different kind of challenge for him. Written by Matt Damon & Ben Affleck, this gem of a film start both of them as well as the late Robin Williams and Stellan Skarsgard in some of their strongest performances.

Radioactive (2019)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie, Polish-born scientist married to a French fellow-physicist, is obsessed with her research. This film follows her struggles as an immigrant and a woman in her profession, and the aftermath of her eventual success. Rosamunde Pike plays convincingly, as well as Sam Riley as her husband Pierre Curie.

The Accountant (2016)

An accountant who is not only a genius with numbers, but also hides many other secret talents. This film caught be by surprise by being much funnier than I expected, and featuring many unexpected twists. Great cast with Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick, including John Bernthal and John Lithgow in supporting roles.

The Imitation Game (2014)

The true story of Alan Turing, who was essential in decrypting the German code during WW2. Long kept secret, the events of Bletchley Park and Turing's role in them have been declassified and in 2014 also brought to the big screen. Incredible true story, not only about science but also about team work, perseverance and faith.

Frankenstein (1994)

There are many adaptations of this novel about Doctor Frankenstein, one of the most famous scientists, but this one remains the best on screen*. The tale of a troubled scientist who went too far and didn't know how to cope with his success. De Niro and Branagh great as always.

*On stage, NTL has created a great one in 2011 with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, of which a recorded version exists as well.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician working at NASA, shattering many conventions for female African Americans. This biopic is inspiring and funny at the same time, featuring great performances by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae.  Jim Parsons is a fun supporting character as an ambitious mathematician. 

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

The true story of John Nash, gifted mathematician but also a deeply troubled man 

struggling with an increasing number of signs of mental illness. Wonderful film with a stunning performance by Russell Crowe. 

Arrival (2016)

A linguistics professor becomes a crucial figure when trying to communicate with extraterrestrials, when it seems the world is under attack. An obviously fictional story, this film goes beyond a random alien tale - also because of its genius protagonist. 

The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)

A talented mathematician from India, Srinivasa Ramanujan, is invited to work in Cambridge with a renowned professor.  This is a challenge not only mathematically, but also culturally. Beautiful true story, with Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons.