The New Math(s) (2001)

In the intricate world of mathematics, a trio of unlikely combatants – two students and their teacher – find themselves embroiled in a surreal struggle. They're not fighting over territory or power but a complex mathematical equation, one that could potentially unlock the secrets of time and space, or perhaps, reveal hidden instructions to their own clandestine desires. In this peculiar battlefield, theory collides with reality, facts become punches, and formulas transform into kicks, all set to the rhythm of an original score by the Dutch maestro, Louis Andriessen. "The New Math(s)" is a cinematic riddle, an alchemical concoction of action, music, and intellect. With an uncanny blend of whimsy and gravity, director Hal Hartley orchestrates a dance of fight choreography, featuring the talents of Miho Nikaido, David Neumann, and DJ Mendel. It's a narrative that pushes the boundaries of the conventional, a real-life cartoon where numbers take on a life of their own. Embark on this extraordinary exploration where each calculation becomes a clash, every theorem a tussle, and the solution might just be the key to understanding their own secret urges. Welcome to a world where math is more than numbers; it's an enthralling and enigmatic adventure.

The New Math(s) is a short movie featuring David Neumann.

The New Math(s) is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.