Synopsis

A reclusive mathematician becomes obsessed with discovering a hidden numerical pattern that might explain nature and predict the stock market. As his homemade computer produces a mysterious 216-digit sequence, he attracts the attention of Wall Street financiers and religious scholars who believe the number contains divine significance. Plagued by migraines, paranoia, and hallucinations, he pushes his mind and body toward a devastating revelation.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was financed in part through individual $100 contributions collected from friends, relatives, and acquaintances. The initial production budget was about $60,000, while the completed film cost approximately $134,815.

• Most of the movie was shot in a section of a warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn, which was converted into the apartment and computer lab set.

• The production was completed in 28 days and exposed approximately 53,000 feet of 16mm film, representing about 23 hours of footage.

• The stark visual style came from high-contrast black-and-white reversal film. The production used several 16mm cameras, including an Aaton XTR Prod and a Bolex H16.

• To keep expenses down, the crew filmed subway and outdoor scenes without location permits. A lookout was reportedly assigned to watch for police while filming continued.

• The film's computer, Euclid, is named after the ancient Greek mathematician associated with the foundations of geometry. The recurring game of Go likewise functions as a visual model for the film's tension between apparent order and overwhelming complexity.

• The score helped establish Clint Mansell as a film composer. Its electronic soundtrack also features music by artists including Orbital, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Massive Attack, and GusGus.

• Pi won the Directing Award at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, along with the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay and the Gotham Open Palm Award.

• The film became an early example of digital movie distribution. It was made available for paid online viewing through Sightsound.com before internet video services became mainstream.

• In 2023, a restored 8K and Dolby Atmos version was released for an IMAX reissue timed to the film's 25th anniversary.