High Anxieties – The Mathematics of Chaos (2008)

This documentary explores how modern mathematical advancements are reshaping our understanding of the world, impacting fields like physics, economics, the environment, and human psychology. It examines how 20th-century mathematics has led to a perception of inherent unpredictability in areas such as the financial economy and Earth's environment. The film highlights the influence of mathematicians Henri Poincaré and Alexander Lyapunov on later developments. Featuring interviews with David Ruelle on chaos theory and turbulence, economist Paul Ormerod on economic unpredictability, and James Lovelock, founder of Gaia theory, discussing climate change and environmental tipping points, the film considers the mathematics we've avoided confronting as we approach critical thresholds in both the economy and climate. It questions whether we are willing to face difficult truths or continue to ignore them.