Documentaries on Great Mathematicians

Description: Although not strictly a documentary, this biographical drama captures the essence of John Nash's life, his groundbreaking work in game theory, and his battle with schizophrenia. It's included for its deep dive into the mind of a mathematical genius.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The portrayal of Nash's mental illness was praised for its sensitivity and accuracy.

Description: This film explores the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematical prodigy who, despite his lack of formal training, made extraordinary contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, and infinite series. It's a testament to the power of raw talent and the universal language of mathematics.

Fact: The film was adapted from the biography of the same name by Robert Kanigel. Dev Patel, who played Ramanujan, learned to write mathematical equations for authenticity.

Description: This film delves into the world of cryptography, featuring the work of Alan Turing during WWII and his contributions to computer science and mathematics.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Code Book" by Simon Singh, who also appears in the documentary.

Description: This documentary follows the journey of Yitang Zhang, a mathematician who, after years of obscurity, solved a centuries-old problem in number theory. It's an inspiring story of perseverance and the beauty of mathematical discovery.

Fact: Zhang's proof was published in the Annals of Mathematics, one of the most prestigious journals in the field.

Description: While primarily about Darwin, this documentary includes segments on the mathematical models used in evolutionary biology, showcasing the intersection of mathematics and science.

Fact: The series was presented by Richard Dawkins, who also discusses the mathematical underpinnings of natural selection.

Description: This BBC series, hosted by Marcus du Sautoy, covers the history of mathematics from ancient times to the modern era, featuring key mathematicians like Isaac Newton and Carl Friedrich Gauss.

Fact: Marcus du Sautoy, a professor of mathematics at Oxford University, brings a personal touch to the narrative, making complex concepts accessible.

Description: While not exclusively about mathematicians, this documentary explores chaos theory, featuring the work of mathematicians like Benoit Mandelbrot, who introduced the concept of fractals.

Fact: The film uses stunning visual effects to illustrate complex mathematical concepts, making it both educational and visually engaging.

Description: This documentary series, based on Steven Strogatz's book, explores various mathematical concepts and their applications, featuring interviews with leading mathematicians.

Fact: Strogatz, a professor at Cornell University, makes complex math accessible and fun, often using real-world examples.

Description: This documentary explores the history and significance of the number one, touching on the contributions of mathematicians like Leonardo Fibonacci and the development of the concept of zero.

Fact: The film was part of the BBC's "The Story of Maths" series, which aimed to make mathematics more approachable to the general public.

Description: This documentary chronicles Andrew Wiles' quest to prove Fermat's Last Theorem, a problem that had eluded mathematicians for over 350 years. It's a story of obsession, dedication, and the beauty of mathematical proof.

Fact: Wiles' proof was published in the Annals of Mathematics, and the documentary captures the moment he announced his proof to the world.