Documentaries That Unravel Mathematical Theorems

Description: This film, while focusing on the life of John Nash, includes his work on game theory, which led to the Nash Equilibrium, a fundamental theorem in economics and mathematics.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was based on Sylvia Nasar's biography of Nash.

Description: While not a documentary, this film is based on the true story of Srinivasa Ramanujan, whose work on mathematical series and continued fractions has influenced many theorems. It's a biographical drama that captures the essence of mathematical discovery.

Fact: The film was adapted from the book by Robert Kanigel and features a stellar performance by Dev Patel as Ramanujan.

Description: This documentary delves into the world of coding and encryption, touching upon mathematical theorems that underpin modern cryptography.

Fact: It includes interviews with mathematicians and computer scientists who discuss the mathematical foundations of secure communication.

Description: Although not exclusively about theorems, this series by Marcus du Sautoy includes episodes that explore key mathematical developments, including the story behind the Pythagorean Theorem and the development of calculus.

Fact: Marcus du Sautoy, a renowned mathematician, presents the series, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.

Description: This documentary explores the centuries-long quest to prove Fermat's Last Theorem, culminating in Andrew Wiles' monumental achievement. It's a tale of obsession, genius, and the beauty of mathematical pursuit.

Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of Andrew Wiles, who shares his personal journey in solving the theorem. It also features interviews with other mathematicians who were part of this mathematical saga.

Description: This documentary follows the life of Grigori Perelman, the reclusive Russian mathematician who solved the Poincaré Conjecture, one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems. It's a deep dive into the mind of a genius who shunned fame.

Fact: Perelman declined the Fields Medal and the Clay Mathematics Institute's million-dollar prize, making his story even more intriguing.

Description: This documentary explores chaos theory, which, while not a traditional theorem, has profound implications in understanding complex systems and mathematical patterns in nature.

Fact: It was produced by the BBC and features stunning visuals to explain complex mathematical concepts.

Description: This series by Professor Marcus du Sautoy explores various mathematical concepts, including the beauty of prime numbers and the Fibonacci sequence, which are related to several mathematical theorems.

Fact: The series was designed to make mathematics accessible and enjoyable, showcasing the fun side of numbers.

Description: This documentary examines the golden ratio and its implications in art, architecture, and nature, linking it to mathematical theorems like the Fibonacci sequence.

Fact: It features interviews with artists and architects who discuss how mathematical principles influence their work.

Description: While not strictly about theorems, this series often discusses mathematical concepts and theorems in an entertaining format, making complex ideas accessible through humor and discussion.

Fact: Hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, the show has covered topics from quantum mechanics to the mathematics of music.