Math goes to Hollywood : or, how I learned to stop worrying and love the math : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

Mathematics doesn't put people in the seats at the movie theater, but recently mathematics can be found more and more in popular films. Though Hollywood has shunned the value of mathematics in the past, a trio of excellent films have recently been made with mathematics as an integral character. This paper examines the math topics discussed in three of those movies: Good Will Hunting, Rushmore, and Pi. The mathematics used in each film is analyzed for validity. Also discussed is how each film's depiction of mathematics might effect society's view of mathematics.