Chapter thirty-four: Dark Matter

Liu Xing (Liu Ye) is a new Chinese student studying at an astronomy program for the gifted in the United States. He is a science genius much like Sheldon Cooper, though naively humble and not quite adjusted to the ways of American society. He quickly idolizes his professor, Mr. Reiser (Aidan Quinn,) and practically hangs on his every word. The problem with this is that Mr. Reiser uses the knowledge of Liu and his other students for the benefit of his own research. In other words, Mr. Reiser isn't all too interested in astronomy because his students understand it better than he does, but he isn't open to the different perspectives of his students and is far too set on his own way of thinking. He wants his students to think like he does and do a lot of his work for him. The ego of this professor hurts Liu severely as the plot thickens.

However, it isn't all bad. Liu makes a quick, friendly connection with Joanna Silver (Meryl.) She is a woman who has deep-rooted enthusiasm and takes interest in the delicacy and beauty of the Chinese culture. Throughout the movie, Joanna serves as Liu's support system and American paternal figure.

As Liu continues his studies at the program and works to get his degree, he becomes obsessed with the intricacies of dark matter, which is the bulk of the movie. He cannot sleep and is so overtaken by his research. When graduation comes around, Liu presents his doctoral dissertation paper to his professor, which contradicts the theories of dark matter that he has been taught and provides a new explanation. Despite the countless hours and days of work that Liu has put into it, his professor will not accept the paper, ultimately because of a technicality that is different from his own way of thinking. As Liu's friends are moving out of the dorm and into adult lives, he is slipping into depression. He has given up on his chances of winning a Nobel prize and has stooped to a job selling cosmetics door-to-door. Even though Joanna and a few professors still recognize his potential, he does not. One day, he just snaps. Realizing that his American dream has gone unfulfilled and all that he has worked for has gone unappreciated, he calmly walks into the university's conference room leaving it a few bodies lighter and later deciding to take his own.

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Ultimately, it was Liu's own pride that got in his way. He didn't want to ask for help from Joanna or even his professor, and he wanted to protect his parents by feeding them lies about how his time in America was going. It's overlooked that much of Chinese culture harps on the necessity of independence. It's something Joanna didn't even recognize, and when she offered Liu help, he didn't know how to take it. It is a good story, but nothing short of a tragedy, and the movie is based on the true story of Gang Lu. Meryl wasn't the main character in this film like you may have expected her to be, but it's amazing how even when she's not, she still gives the role the integrity it deserves and makes the movie all the more complete.

As always, thank you for the entertainment, Meryl.