Pi was Darren Aronofsky's first feature length film. He was a graduate of Harvard and the AFI Conservatory. During his time in school he became attracted to such filmmakers as Akira Kurosawa, Terry Gilliam, Roman Polanski to name a few. Pi was created on a micro-budget of $60,000 of which he borrowed most of it from friends and family. He used a guerilla style somewhat similar to that of the French New Wave or Italian Neorealism in that he shot the scenes in the actual streets and didn't rely on the comfort of studios.
One obvious difference in style was Aronofsky's use of black and white film that came out highly grainy. Many people felt it was too much. But the director was able to utilize the grain as a storytelling tool that allowed the film itself to become a symbol for what the protagonist, Max was experiencing within his head during the film. Thus the lack of clarity and the deep contrasts heightened the paranoia and lack of clarity within the film. Aronofsky also mainly created the film in medium to close shots. This enhanced the disorienting feeling for the audience as they were forced to be at one with the protagonist's feelings. They could only see what was right in front of them and not the world that exists around them.
Thus, when Aronofsky would use wider shots, it would help us experience the peace that Max himself was also feeling in these rare moments. These elements helped the film to become a critical success as well as go on to be successful at the box-office thus starting Aronofsky's career which hasn't slowed down since.
