Ari Handel

Biography

Ari Handel is a Swiss-born American neuroscientist, film producer, and screenwriter, known for his collaborations with filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. Handel has made significant contributions to both the creative and production sides of contemporary cinema, co-writing films such as The Fountain and Noah, and producing critically acclaimed works including The Wrestler, Black Swan, Mother!, and The Whale.

Early Life and Education

Handel was born in Zürich, Switzerland, while his father was studying abroad, but he spent most of his childhood in Newton, Massachusetts, in a Jewish family. His early interest in science and storytelling led him to pursue a PhD in neurobiology from New York University. During his formative years, he also gained experience in media, completing an internship with Nova at WGBH, the Boston PBS station.

Transition from Science to Film

Though deeply rooted in science, Handel was torn between science writing and science education. He ultimately turned to filmmaking as a way to communicate complex scientific and philosophical ideas more effectively. His scientific background has strongly influenced his approach to storytelling, often resulting in films that explore human consciousness, morality, and existential questions.

Career in Film

Handel’s collaboration with Darren Aronofsky began during their time as suitemates at Harvard’s Dunster House. Together, they co-wrote The Fountain (2006), a meditative exploration of love, mortality, and the search for eternal life across three different timelines.

Around 2003, Handel began co-writing Noah, a biblical epic that was released in 2014. The film combined Handel’s interest in philosophical and ethical questions with Aronofsky’s bold directorial vision, resulting in a visually ambitious and thematically rich retelling of the biblical story.

In addition to writing, Handel has produced several of Aronofsky’s films, including The Wrestler (2008), Black Swan (2010), Mother! (2017), and The Whale (2022). His role as a producer has been integral in bringing these complex and often challenging projects to fruition, balancing creative vision with practical filmmaking considerations.