Customer Reviews

Infinity

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Richard Feynman was surely the most interesting physicst in history and one of the most interesting individuals rivaled by very few. His books are brilliant and his ability both at physics (and nearly everything else he did) and teaching are legendary. Unfortunately, none of that is touched upon here. The closest we get is the scene with the cube roots (we also have the scene with Dr. Wheeler, but this shows him getting an incorrect answer). I know that the film was supposed to be a love story, and, in that, it was successful. This was tremendously emotional, and, I believe, true to the stories by Feynman, himself. Unfortunately, many of the stories that establish Feynman at his best are nowhere to be found. We see nothing of his time at school ("Who Took the Door", etc.), which would have been appreciated. This is not simply wishing to see physics and mathematics in a film, but rather to establish Feynman as the fun-loving practical joker and lover of life that he was. Broderick did a fine job portraying him (although I can honestly see Robin Williams playing him later in life), there was very little unique to Feynman. It could have been anyone. There was no mention of Feynman's need to do things his own way, and so forth. So, what I am really saying is that as a stand alone, or for someone who isn't totally in awe of Feynman as I am, this is a good love story. For someone like me, however, there's too much lacking that would have brought Feynman to the public as I think Broderick wanted.

I had heard rumors about this somewhat obscure film, but nobody who had seen it could remember the title. Finally, one day I stumbled upon it @ Amazon.com. With great excitement I ordered it immediately, nor did it end up being unworthy of my anticipation.

The film centers around the epoch of Richard Phillips Feynman's courtship of and marriage to his 1st wife, Arline. As such, it also touches upon Feynman's "vocation" during World War II, which was being an active member of the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

The book is mostly based on Feynman's book called WHAT DO YOU CARE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK? [ISBN: 0393320928, also available @ Amazon.com]. The book is highly recommended for all persons who have an interest in viewing this movie. There are also a few tidbits from SURELY YOU'RE JOKING MR. FEYNMAN [ISBN: 0393316041] and John Archibald Wheeler's GEONS, BLACK HOLES AND QUANTUM FOAM [ISBN: 0393319911]. Both of these latter books are highly recommended to the Feynman enthusiast as well.

The story of Feynman's sublime and fervent love that he felt for his terminally ill wife is nothing short of inspiring. As the great physicist has for many years been one of my most admired personages, it is without embarrassment that I admit this to be one of the few films that has ever made me cry. Even viewers who have never heard of this scientist would be hard-pressed not to be moved by this film.

As a bonus, the film does a good job of incorporating on the margins Feynman's dad, little sister, Joan (who earned a Ph.D. in physics herself from Syracuse university), John Archibald Wheeler, Hans Bethe, a young Henry Bethe and Robert Oppenheimer.

The handful of verbal over-lays are well-placed and do not get in the way of the film's symmetry. Although Broderick has never been one of my favorite actors, he pulled off his portrayal of a young Feynman quite well (if you ignore the fact that his New York accent is a bit inconsistent). It would be nice to see more movies like this in the future.

I totally agree with one of the reviewers who says that this movie 'aims low but manages to score high'. I am a long time Feynman fan, just like many others, and I don't frankly think anyone could ever capture the essence of Richard Feynman on screen...except Feynman himself! But I think this movie does a brilliant job at portraying the emotional side of Feynman, through his relationship with Arline, his high school sweetheart. The story is very touching, as narrated by Feynman himself in 'What do you care what other people think!' It was a real tragedy she passed away early, as they were a perfect couple. The movie does manage to capture the sentimental value of that wonderful time which the two shared. About the performances, I do not think that Matt Broderick does a great impersonation of Feynman. But then, maybe no one can. On the other hand, Matt Broderick brings out the sincerity and honesty of the man to the greatest extent. He is perfect for the job, as he easily fits the character of a honest, nice and carefree kid. He is wonderfully complemented by Patricia Arquette. From what I have read about Arline, I think she quite fits the role of the clear thinking, artistic and emotional girl who could captivate someone like Feynman. Overall, I think that the movie is very touching, an example of the kind of films which you rarely see these days, and should be viewed as a very nice movie in its own right, bringing out the emotional side of a truly great man.

Not being a terrific movie buff, I accidentally found this to watch over cable. I've ordered it. Feynman was irrefutably one of the great minds, and characters, of the 20th century. I was most fortunate in having seen him lecture and even getting to interact with him as a student. However impossible it might have been to bring forth his personal mannerisms, Broderick did a job which was overly impressive. The drama of Feynman's love with Arline, to me, was unbearably poignant. Science was presented fairly well. The era of the war was captured, regarding those remaining stateside. New Mexico scenes were extroadinary and very accurate. I didn't know a thing about Broderick, but I say a great film was developed under his acting and directorship.

I loved this movie, and it inspired me to find out more about Richard Feynman. It's true that no 2 hour movie can truly capture the essence of this man, but it's a wonderful effort. The true brilliance of this movie is that it brings Richard Feynman back into popular culture. If you liked this movie, read the books "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman," and "What Do You Care What Other People Think." The stories in the film and in the books show Feynman's passion for learning, experimenting and discovery

I am just sad that I was never able to know such a brilliant man.

Poorly written and mediocre acting, a love story as another
reviewer pointed out; if you want to find out about Feynman,
start with Surely you're joking... and work you way to his
lectures on QED, social sciences, thinking, or if you are a
student of physics, his famous Physics trilogy. I am sure Dr
Feynman was never as boring as he is portrayed in this lousy
film.

To truly appreciate this film one must first read some of Feynman's works. The film speeds through events as if they all took place at the same time, when it's clearly noted that said events took place at different times. In addition the film is primarily based on his relationship with his first wife, and doesn't really go into the mind of Feynman, or show his true genius, and creativity. In addition the film does not portray Feynman properly; it makes him appear as if he's a secluded genius, when in actuality he was very normal.

One will appreciate some of the various quotes, and events that you'll immediately note from his lectures, and various books. If you haven't read his works, then you will not be able to appreciate this, which I believe is the only positive this film has.

I have been a huge Feynman fan for a while and have read multiple books by and about him. THis movie does a great job showing who Feynman was. Broderick was an awesome choice for the role.

I watched this movie on TV about ten years ago and never forgot about it. I had read Feynman's book "Surely You're Joking" and was excited to see corresponding parts in the movie. It's great I found the movie on Amazon and decided to buy it immediately. They say, to everyone his own movies. Well, this is one for me.

The story came from 2 books
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! and What Do You Care What Other People Think?, both written by Richard Feynman and Ralph Leighton.

Good Film
3/5