Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Written by Darren Aronofsky, Sean Gullette and Eric Watson
Cinematography by Matthew Libatique

Sean Gullette as Maximillian Cohen Mark Margolis as Sol Robeson Ben Shenkman as Lenny Meyer Pamela Hart as Marcy Dawson Stephen Pearlman as Rabbi Cohen Samia Shoaib as Devi Ajay Naidu as Farrouhk Kristyn Mae-Anne Lao as Jenna Espher Lao Nieves as Jenna's Mom Joanne Gordon as Mrs. Ovadia Lauren Fox as Jenny Robeson Stanley Herman as Moustacheless Man

Running Time: 84 min.
Release Date: Jul. '98

Overall Call:
The description of the film might turn you away thinking this can't possibly be a serious plot line. You couldn't be more mistaken. Darren Aronofsky's directorial debut is a stunning achievement. Shot in black and white the film takes you through a fast paced excursion of mental torment. The soundtrack is a well matched techno layering that complements the surge into insanity led by Max. The film is short falling under 90 min. and feels even quicker. Between Aronofsky's stylized editing and induced urgency you're immediately sucked into Max's anxiety laced world. It isn't for the faint at heart as many scenes provoke retracting squeamish squints. Adding to the film is a needed comic relief supplied by the characters inhabiting Max's life. Sol Robeson the Hasidic Jew in pursuit of Max's mathematical revelation is quite humorous at times. This is a great little indie to rent. As mentioned in another review of Aronofsky's, if you like Pi check out Requiem for a Dream. It picks up where Pi leaves off.

Reasons For Recommendation:
+ Unique stylized story telling
+ Appropriately cool soundtrack (both music and effects)
+ Directing and editing