Genius - Einstein (Episode 1 Review)
Ron Howard directs the first of 10 episodes of ‘Genius’ which is available for free on National Geographic’s youtube channel (Link no longer works - See bottom of article for updated link). Episode 2 airs on May 2 (tomorrow as of this writing) at 9 PM EST and every new episode after that will continue on the same schedule. The show will be an anthology series that focuses on a different 'genius' each season, with the first focusing on Einstein.
For those looking for a straight forward documentary about the theoretical physics accomplishments of Albert Einstein, you’ll likely be disappointed. ‘Genius’ is unique in its approach to Einstein, in fact I’m not entirely sure how to label this – ‘documentary’ sounds much too dispassionate and analytical while ‘biopic’ doesn’t seem to do justice to the amount of effort put into the research and presentation of the work, which is based off of Walter Isaacson's biography of Albert, "Einstein: His Life and Universe."
The point of this series is to show Albert Einstein the man, flaws and all, instead of the typically sterile academic presentation of him in other media. It is essential to keep this in mind or else you’ll be thrown for a loop when our introduction to the professor in the first 3 minutes involves Albert’s ‘little Einstein’ at work. Going into this with no foreknowledge of the series, I was admittedly taken aback by the brief scene though I can’t really complain about historical inaccuracy given Einstein’s known appetite for carnal pleasures. Truthfully, if you wish to obtain an accurate understanding of who Einstein was as a person, his somewhat Libertine views in his personal relationships are as valid as any other aspect of his life. Personally, I‘d say there are better methods of introductions, especially given some of the wonderful scene transitions later in the show but the scene is mercifully short.
The first episode uses nonlinear storytelling to strong effect, transitioning between the early 1930s to the late 1890s, showing the seeds being planted for Einstein’s theory of relativity as well as the worsening political climate that eventually leads Einstein and his wife to flee Germany for the United States. While there are the basics of his theories being laid out, as well as some pleasant visuals regarding of our understanding of light’s dual wave-particle nature, if you are looking for a meaningful understanding of them, I’d recommend watching a different documentary.
The sociopolitical circumstances of Einstein’s life are focused upon much more than the science. The rigidity of the German school system’s focus on route memorization is contrasted with the Swiss emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual exploration that finally frees Einstein to begin investing time in his intellectual pursuits in a way that doesn't prevent him from succeeding in his academics. His antipathy towards the humanities as a young man being replaced by his appreciation for them is shown to a degree, though it feels as if they've skipped a scene in the transition process. Concurrently, the specter of rising Nazism in Germany forces the largely insulated Einstein to become more aware of the politics that he generally viewed so aloofly until then, especially after his name is revealed on a list of planned assassinations. This later leads to a powerfully jarring scene of a young boy in the Hitler Youth running up to Einstein, asking for his autograph, saying that he wants to be a scientist just like him, and then giving him the Hitler salute. The strained relationship between Einstein and his father is also explored through a lens of his father’s pragmatism contrasted with Albert’s zeal for the theoretical.
The production value of the show is excellent and the actors give lively performances. Some of the scene transitions between the 2 timelines are incredibly smooth and you can really see that Ron Howard put passion and attention to detail into this well polished product. If you find yourself in anyway interested in what Albert Einstein was like as a person, I’d recommend giving episode a watch – even if you’re put off by the brief introductory scene of Einstein as some viewers seem to have been.
If you'd like me to do more reviews for science documentaries, or have suggestions, let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading!
Edit: Updated link since National Geographic privated the original episode without warning.