List: Math Movies
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:00 am
On the first day of the first school, thousands of years ago, some student probably complained about math and said he’d never have to use it because he had an abacus. But we do use math all the time and as the financial meltdown and climate change science show us, it can be disastrous if we get it wrong. A great reminder of the ways we use math is found in these movies. And parents of younger children should take a look at this terrific blog about teaching math and science skills with an emphasis on integrating literature through the curriculum.
Interesting to see City Homicide, one of my favourite cop shows, get a mention. I think I missed that episode, though, so I’ll have to track it down.
I love the constant maths jokes in Futurama as well.
You’re right, Toby! “Futurama” is amazing.
I have often wished someone would make a film – or series of films – from Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy. Hari Seldon’s work might not translate into a visual medium, but it is still intriguing. The narrative alone justifies the movie, and the work behind it would engage a whole new generation of Seldon-ists. As has happened with Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other such works, the Foundation Trilogy has a background that grabs and holds a persons attention. That it requires a foundation in math only adds intrigue to it all.
I am a “Numb3rs” fan, even thought the algorithyms became like magic formulas employed to solve each crime. It cool to be smart.
Hi Nell,
One Math-y movie I’ve always appreciated is “Little Man Tate.” I love it for its unflinching portrayals of the challenges of raising (and being) an extremely gifted child.
It’s also Jodie Foster’s directorial debut – she definitely announced herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Highly recommended!
It’s a terrific movie, blah — an excellent recommendation. I’d love to see her direct again. Many thanks.