This is based on a successful novel that contrasts the life of two eminent scientists, of the mathematician and founder of numbers theory, CF Gauss and the adventurer and explorer of South America (and the rest of the world) Alexander von Humboldt. They come from the same locale (Brunswick in Germany) and are about the same age, but Gauss rises from poverty whereas Humboldt is privileged. And whereas Gauss doesn't like to leave his office and rarely travels, Humboldt does practically nothing but to travel.
The original novel (which I haven't read) was apparently completely rewritten (by the author himself) for the script. The film is lavish and opulent and bears the characteristic sarcasm of its director, Detlev Buck. The duke of Brunswick, for example, is portrayed as a well- meaning nitwit who can't remotely grasp what young Gauss is on about, whereas Gauss is portrayed as a nerd and an eccentric. The movie is entertaining, but almost a bit too opulent for my taste. As always, I hope that it will inspire its viewers to pick up the biographies.
The original novel (which I haven't read) was apparently completely rewritten (by the author himself) for the script. The film is lavish and opulent and bears the characteristic sarcasm of its director, Detlev Buck. The duke of Brunswick, for example, is portrayed as a well- meaning nitwit who can't remotely grasp what young Gauss is on about, whereas Gauss is portrayed as a nerd and an eccentric. The movie is entertaining, but almost a bit too opulent for my taste. As always, I hope that it will inspire its viewers to pick up the biographies.