The Theory of Everything (2014) Review!!

Synopsis – A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife.

My Take – Stephen Hawking, is without a doubt one of the most renowned man of our time. His great scientific endeavors are an accomplishment in itself, but doing so while suffering from a debilitating motor-neuron disease (ALS), which has progressed over the years, while doctors had predicted would kill him in two years, he is good at the age of 71 currently. As many may know he is almost entirely paralyzed and communicates through a speech-generating device. Director James Marsh bring us a film on the life of this man, based upon the book written by his 1st wife Jane Hawking herself. This film is not just about Hawking’s uphill struggles towards fame but is mainly focused on his relationship with Jane Hawking – from their 1st meeting to their divorce to his knighthood from the Queen of England. This true story is a sensitive piece of film making & is made sure by James Marsh that it stands as one of the finest movies of the year. This film is not just a story about the science behind the beginnings of our universe, but the science of love; and how life’s challenges that we face everyday, shape who we are and what we achieve. The movie does not shy away from making Hawking a complex character, as well as Jane, showing both their positive and negative sides. Its very hard to understand the complexities of his personal life and the shocking divorce in 1990 from his long sacrificing wife of more than 25 years.

That episode served to darken his reputation in the minds of many, who felt ill at ease with anyone who could leave a partner who had done so much for him just at the long awaited moment when international fame and recognition finally arrived. The strengths of this film rely solely on the performances of Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. These two actors are absolutely brilliant in the lead roles. Stephen Hawking is the role that Redmayne was born to play. Hawking is portrayed as a charming and intellectually superior individual that behaves just like any one else, until the heartbreak starts. In Eddie Redmayne, we get a fully realized and tender performance. The first twenty minutes of the film, prior to the diagnosis of Hawking’s disease, Redmayne utilizes all the quick wit and charm to show what his Stephen loved the most of his work and his woman. Obviously going through the physical transformation must be rewarded. His efforts in contorting his body and learning the physical tics that Stephen Hawking has displayed in real life are extremely commendable and impressive, this guy has sure shot for a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars. When it comes to Felicity Jones, the emotional backbone of the entire process has to be awarded to her. Jane Hawking is a sweet, loving and determined person that will go to the lengths of the universe to make sure her husband, Stephen can survive.

Jones takes upon a daunting and heavily emotional character, never afraid to have the audience dislike or be disappointed in what she’s doing. Complex and staggering in the way she decides to portray the brave Jane, Jones allows her character to grow, and both live and learn inside of her. What’s most remarkable about Jones is she makes everything seem so effortless. She’s not faking anything, she’s really feeling and becoming Jane. She locates all the emotions required of her to execute successfully. It’s a turn I wouldn’t be surprised to see runaway with the Academy Award for Best Actress. The OST for the film is absolutely outstanding! It hits all the right marks, brings upon emotions right when you are on the verge of tears, leaves you in awe after a beautiful monologue, and finishes with a melancholy but very fitting tone. On the whole, The Theory of Everything, showcases Hawking’s lesser- known personal life, rather than the scientific achievements he became famous for, by placing inside a message of inspiration. This is an immensely satisfying film with stand-out acting performances by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones and skilled direction by James Marsh, making this one of the best films of the year!