Darren Aronofsky is quite an original filmmaker.  The only misfire I have seen of his is THE FOUNTAIN, which was still oddly fascinating.  THE WRESTLER and REQUIEM FOR A DREAM are fantastic films.  His first film, PI, is madness...but a good madness.  Watching this man either work out the mysteries of the universe or slip into insanity is very exciting.  He is trying to find out an equation that can predict the stock market, which leads him to Jewish Mysticism, the Golden Ratio, and the madness that comes with unhinged obsession and genius.  The High contrast Black & White are a nice touch since it just adds to the insane atmosphere.  Quite original, and quite interesting.