Infinity (1996)

Actor Matthew Broderick (WarGames, Ferris Bueller's Day Off) offered up this, his 1996 directorial debut, as a whimsical romance and a tribute to an extraordinary scientist. Broderick plays the brilliant and eccentric Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman in a story based on his early life. The fun-loving Feynman and his young bride Arlene, played by Patricia Arquette (True Romance) enjoy their courtship and young married life in New York until Feynman is called away to New Mexico to participate in the Manhattan Project and the development of the hydrogen bomb. Their storybook romance is further complicated when Arlene discovers she is seriously ill, and Feynman must confront not only the morality of his participation in the development of the bomb but the nature of life and death and the love he has for his wife. A nice, small sweet romance that aims low but scores high, Infinity is a quirky but poignant love story and a fine directorial debut. --Robert Lane Amazon.com

Where's the FEYNMAN?

Glad somebody did it but damn why a love story and a boring one at that which doesn't even show the mans intellect or his very humors nature. Disappointing on so many levels July 23, 2008

Good Story

As noted elsewhere, this is a love story about Dick and Arlene Feynman. It doesn't have much in it about the famous antics of one of the most human and personable physicists ever. More's the pity. It's a good film, but it leaves room for several future movies that incorporate all the stories that he left us. June 11, 2008

A decent movie about a great man

I had the opportunity to have met Feynman when I was an undergrad at Caltech. We actually had him as a dinner guest when I was there (this is back in the late 70s/early 80s, which is long after the time period covered by this movie). He really was very personable, he loved talking to students. He actually taught a class at caltech after-hours on lockpicking (his dad was a locksmith). He was someone who you really wanted to get to know. I agree with the previous reviewer that this movie does not accurately portray him. Still, the movie was entertaining, which is why I give it 3 stars. September 24, 2006

Mostly a love story, very little Feynman

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.
October 17, 2005

Enchanting

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. April 5, 2004

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