Reviewed by Carol Sullivan
Genre: Thriller
Rating: R
Directors: Luis Piedrahita, Rodrigo Sopena
Starring: Alejo Sauras, Lluis Homar, Santi Millan
Studio: MPI
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If it is a psychological mystery thriller that tickles your fancy, then might I suggest renting this little Spanish gem, Fermat's Room. I was pleasantly surprised by this film, which blends the history of mathematics with an edge of your seat storyline...
The movie begins as four mathematicians each receive an invitation to attend a weekend with one another. According to their host, they will be solving a mysterious enigma. As expected, these geniuses have huge egos that demand they participate.
But when the four arrive at the secret and remote location, they find it strange that, inside a decrepit factory is a fancy room waiting for them. Nicely furnished with food, booze and comfy armchairs, they settle in and wait for their mystery host, Fermat (Fredrico Luppi). Finally meeting him, they are worried when the odd man leaves and the door then locks behind him.
Seems that Fermat has put these four in quite a pickle, folks. They will receive a series of math and logic problems; if they do not solve them in the allotted time, the room shrinks.
And as the walls press in and their time runs out, can the four geniuses think their way out of their predicament; before they are crushed to death.
I found Fermat's Room to be fascinating; a real 'thinking-man's thriller', if you will. I found myself solving the puzzles right along with these interesting characters. Sure, the puzzles are easier than three big minds would be faced with, so I think the filmmakers were trying to keep the viewer from glazing over at their level of difficulty and thus giving up on the movie. The result is logistical puzzles that are do-able and interesting.
The four actors do a great job in their roles and we learn about the characters as the movie goes along. Along with the obvious problem of a shrinking room, they also have to figure out what they have in common; what brought them there. This multi-layered plot keeps the viewer guessing and problem-solving, right up to the end. Full of tension and smarts, Fermat's Room makes for a fantastic rental and/or purchase.
Overall Rating : 4
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 August 2009 12:35 )
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