Documentaries That Celebrate Geniuses

Description: Robert S. McNamara, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, reflects on his life and the decisions he made during pivotal moments in history. It's a deep dive into the mind of a strategic thinker.

Fact: McNamara was one of the key architects of the Vietnam War strategy.

Description: This film explores the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician whose genius was recognized by G.H. Hardy at Cambridge. It's a tale of brilliance, cultural clash, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Fact: The film was shot in Cambridge, where Ramanujan studied, and features real-life locations from his life.

Description: This documentary captures the intense rivalry between two video game players, showcasing the genius of dedication and the competitive spirit in the world of arcade gaming.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a short for ESPN but was expanded due to the compelling story.

Description: Meet Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master whose dedication to his craft has made him a culinary genius. This film is a meditation on perfection, passion, and the art of sushi-making.

Fact: Jiro's sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, has three Michelin stars.

Description: This documentary follows the quest to find Sixto Rodriguez, a musician whose music became a cult hit in South Africa. It's a story of unrecognized genius and the power of music.

Fact: Rodriguez was unaware of his fame in South Africa until the film's production.

Description: This documentary chronicles the life of Aaron Swartz, a programming prodigy and internet activist. It highlights his genius in technology and his fight for open access to information.

Fact: Aaron Swartz co-authored the RSS

Description: This documentary examines the controversial career of Henry Kissinger, exploring his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and the ethical dilemmas he faced, showcasing a different kind of genius in diplomacy.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Christopher Hitchens, who also appears in the documentary.

Description: This three-part series explores Darwin's theory of evolution, his life, and the impact of his work on science and society, showcasing his intellectual legacy.

Fact: The series was presented by Richard Dawkins, a prominent evolutionary biologist.

Description: Dive into the world of particle physics with this documentary that follows the scientists at CERN as they attempt to recreate the conditions of the Big Bang. It's a testament to the genius of human curiosity and collaboration.

Fact: The film includes interviews with some of the world's leading physicists, including Nima Arkani-Hamed.

Description: Philippe Petit's audacious act of walking a tightrope between the Twin Towers is not just a feat of physical prowess but also a display of creative genius in planning and execution.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.