Infinity (1996)

Story of the early life of genius and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman.

Director:

Matthew Broderick

Writers:

Richard Feynman (books), Ralph Leighton (books)

Stars:

Matthew Broderick, Patricia Arquette, Jeffrey Force

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew Broderick	...	Richard Feynman
Jeffrey Force	...	Young Richard
Peter Riegert	...	Mel Feynman
David Drew Gallagher	...	Harold
Raffi Di Blasio	...	Robert (as Raffi DiBlasio)
Josh Keaton	...	David (as Joshua Wiener)
Patricia Arquette	...	Arline Greenbaum
James Hong	...	Abacus Adder
Emerson Tran	...	Kid
Melissa DeLizia	...	Young Joan
Dori Brenner	...	Tutti Feynman
John Hammil	...	County Dr. #1
Jack Lindine	...	Mr. Greenbaum
Helene Moore	...	County Nurse #1
Carl Strano	...	County Dr. #2

Storyline

As a young boy, Richard was fascinated with science and objects in motion. This wonderment was reinforced through the efforts of his father. The only thing that mattered as much as science, and his family, was Arline, whom he met when they were both in school. But fate can often be cruel and Arline is found to be stricken by Tuberculosis. Undaunted, Richard studies the disease as he studies science in hopes of curing her. When her disease is in remission, they marry and he proceeds on to college where his studies and the war lead him to Los Alamos to work on the Manhattan Project. While Richard is intrigued with the solution to the project, he is also concerned with the outcome and saddened with the failing health of Arline.

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Plot Keywords:

manhattan project | tuberculosis | los alamos | reference to copernicus | radiation sickness | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, mild sensuality and language

Details

Official Sites:

First Look Pictures

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 October 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aperanti agapi

Filming Locations:

Las Vegas, New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$78,976, 6 October 1996, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$195,170

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Look International, Neo Productions, Overseas FilmGroup

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Arline's death occurs when Richard is still working at Los Alamos this is written in "Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman". When Richard returns to work his colleagues think he is crazy because his wife has just died and he is working.

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Quotes

Richard Feynman: Mathematics is a language. It's very difficult. It's subtle. You couldn't say those things any other way - and I can talk to dead people with it. I talk to Copernicus every day.

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Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: That Thing You Do!/Bound/Michael Collins/Infinity/If These Walls Could Talk (1996)

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Soundtracks

In My Arms
Written by Frank Loesser
Published by Frank Music Corp. (ASCAP)

User Reviews

What can I say?

I read the book, "What Do You Care What Other People Think" and did some research. From there I learned to respect the man. "Infinity" is a wonderful movie. It shows a real love story between two people. Feynman's desire to marry Arlene, even though she was ill, shows dedication to principles that are wanting in our society. This wasn't an easy thing.

Then there is the personal story of his work on the Manhattan Project. He was a practical physicist, who brought the science down to "our" level. Who can forget his demonstration of the "O-Ring" failure from the Shuttle Challenger. This approach changed my perception of the science and I learned to love physics.

So, yes, I recommend this movie.

Laura