Chasing Einstein

Directed by Steve Brown and Timothy Wheeler, Chasing Einstein follows several scientists as they attempt to prove (or disprove) Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity and the existence of dark matter within the universe. It’s a n exceedingly dry topic that is, for the most part, employed to distressingly arms-length effect by Brown and Wheeler, as the filmmakers deliver a meandering documentary that generally boasts the feel of an especially tedious science-class lecture – with Brown and Wheeler’s inability (or refusal) to infuse the proceedings with an accessible entry point preventing one from connecting to the material from start to finish, ultimately. It’s worth noting, then, that Chasing Einstein does benefit from a smattering of compelling interludes related to the aforementioned scientists’ personal lives, as it becomes increasingly clear that many of these people have made serious sacrifices in pursuit of scientific discovery. (There is, for example, one such individual who laments the amount of time she’s spent away from her children over the years.) And although Brown and Wheeler sporadically do attempt to provide context for the movie’s complex issues, Chasing Einstein is, by and large, an uninvolving documentary that holds little appeal for viewers without a previously-established interest in its subject matter.

** out of ****