Einstein's Big Idea
“The story behind the world's most famous equation, E = mc2”
Synopsis
Over 100 years ago, Albert Einstein grappled with the implications of his revolutionary special theory of relativity and came to a startling conclusion: mass and energy are one, related by the formula E = mc2. In "Einstein's Big Idea," NOVA dramatizes the remarkable story behind this equation. E = mc2 was just one of several extraordinary breakthroughs that Einstein made in 1905, including the completion of his special theory of relativity, his identification of proof that atoms exist, and his explanation of the nature of light, which would win him the Nobel Prize in Physics. Among Einstein's ideas, E = mc2 is by far the most famous. Yet how many people know what it really means? In a thought-provoking and engrossing docudrama, NOVA illuminates this deceptively simple formula by unraveling the story of how it came to be.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Einstein's Big Idea - Preview (PBS-NOVA) Music: Michael J McEvoy
Type: Trailer • Published 2010-12-26
Top Cast
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Aidan McArdle
Einstein
Anton Lesser
Voltaire
Andrew Callaway
Maupertuis
Julian Rhind-Tutt
Antoine Lavoisier
Shirley Henderson
Mileva Maric
Ty Glaser
Marie Anne Lavoisier
Andy Crabbe
Habicht
Samuel West
Humphry Davy
Daniel D'Alessandro
Algarotti
Brendan Fleming
Hermann Einstein
Gregory Fox-Murphy
Brande
Philip Herbert
Count de Amerval
Chris Jenkinson
Dr. Haller
Wolf Kahler
Horlein
George Layton
Emilie’s Father
Alex Macqueen
Chater
Richard Mulholland
Emilie’s Tutor
Stephen Noonan
Marat
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 11, 2005
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Gary Johnstone
- Screenplay & Story
- David Bodanis, Gary Johnstone
- Original Title
- Einstein's Big Idea
- Country of Origin
- France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- German, English
- Runtime
- 2h 0m
- Production Studios
- ARTE, NDR, Tetra Media, Channel 4 Television
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Gary Johnstone
David Bodanis, Gary Johnstone
Department Leadership Roster
Gary Johnstone
Director
David Bodanis
Writer
Gary Johnstone
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 0 — Approved without age restriction.
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Einstein's Big Idea.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Einstein's Big Idea
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Einstein's Big Idea about?
Over 100 years ago, Albert Einstein grappled with the implications of his revolutionary special theory of relativity and came to a startling conclusion: mass and energy are one, related by the formula E = mc2. In "Einstein's Big Idea," NOVA dramatizes the remarkable story behind this equation. E = mc2 was just one of several extraordinary breakthroughs that Einstein made in 1905, including the completion of his special theory of relativity, his identification of proof that atoms exist, and his explanation of the nature of light, which would win him the Nobel Prize in Physics. Among Einstein's ideas, E = mc2 is by far the most famous. Yet how many people know what it really means? In a thought-provoking and engrossing docudrama, NOVA illuminates this deceptively simple formula by unraveling the story of how it came to be.
Who directed Einstein's Big Idea?
Einstein's Big Idea was directed by Gary Johnstone.
Who stars in Einstein's Big Idea?
The principal cast of Einstein's Big Idea includes Aidan McArdle, Anton Lesser, Andrew Callaway, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Shirley Henderson.
When was Einstein's Big Idea released and how long is it?
Einstein's Big Idea was released in 2005 with a total runtime of 2h 0m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Einstein's Big Idea?
Einstein's Big Idea holds official age classifications: DE: 0 (FSK 0 — Approved without age restriction.); US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).