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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene where Richard breaks down after seeing the dress is supposed to have happened before he comes home and happens because he realizes that he has caught himself thinking about Arline in the present when she has passed on. This is mentioned in "Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman", .

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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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Crazy Credits

The film has a 1997 copyright date in the credits, despite being released in 1996.

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Connections

Referenced in Honest Trailers: The Emmys (2016)

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Soundtracks

The Virgin Sturgeon
Written by Bob Curt and Billy Munn
Published by Hollis Music, Inc. (BMI)

User Reviews

Broderick Son-Mother Duo Combines To Make A Nice Film

This was kind of a strange, low-key movie, one that isn't going to get a lot of attention, especially with a younger audience which wants anything but a slow- moving story. But, whatever your age, if you want simply a nice movie, you have one here.

Other reviewers here have gone into the details about the real-life persons this film is based on, so I will just make a few general comments I had while watching this.

First, I enjoyed Matthew Broderick's narration. Broderick usually plays likable roles and is an underrated actor, I think. I've never seen him in a bad performance. Even though this story is an emotional one, I found little emotion in the film but that makes it intriguing in parts.

Sometime past the halfway mark, I asked myself, "What is the point of this story?" There is a point, and there is more than what meets the eye to this. Those who have seen this film know what I mean. I'm making vague statements, but I don't want to give away anything.

I enjoyed the 1940s look to this, appreciated Patricia Arquette's against-type role; appreciated the fact there were no villains in here and the profanity was low. As I said, it's a nice film and touching drama.

Broderick and his mother wrote, produced and directed this film.

Details

Official Sites:

First Look Pictures

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 October 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Infinité

Filming Locations:

Las Vegas, New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$78,976, 6 October 1996

Gross USA:

$195,170

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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