This biographical romantic drama film by director James Marsh managed to squeak out a small
profit after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September of 2014.
The $15-million dollar story chronicles the turbulent adult life of world-renown physicist
Stephen Hawking alongside his wife.
The 123-minute film is adapted from Jane Hawking's memoir, "Travelling to Infinity: My Life with
Stephen" - and indeed, focuses more on their relationship as a couple, and less on his
groundbreaking work in astrophysics.
Eddie Redmayne provides a showstopping performance as the eager Cambridge student who is diagnosed
with motor neuron disease... which eventually robs him of his ability to speak, eat and
walk.
The range of emotions exhibited by Redmayne is incredible and honest; especially during
the later half when he emotes with his entire body, rather than his voice.
He was so convincing in fact, that his real-life counterpart reportedly admitted to thinking
he was watching himself at certain points.
It's more than just a spot-on impersonation though...
Redmayne imbues the role with real heart... bringing the audience along for an emotional
experience.
Felicity Jones is equally remarkable as the steadfast and patient wife... who endures
more pain and hardship than anyone could have asked.
She is cautioned early by a concern family member who says, "This will not be a fight...
this is going to be a very heavy defeat."
As with any biopic, the narrative sort of meanders from one disconnected milestone to
the next, with numerous supporting players popping in and out as required.
This is really Eddie and Felicity's movie though; their passion and chemistry is the
undeniable glue that holds this otherwise predictable story together.
An early scene where Redmayne compares a brightly lit dance floor to the ultraviolet hues of
the cosmos is effective at showcasing their intelligent, yet playful dynamic.
When the disease finally does take hold, and that familiar computerized voice is heard,
it is actually Hawking himself - that provided the sound.
As this is a biographical period drama based on true-events, released theatrically after
Labor Day, it's hard not to see "The Theory Of Everything" as anything *but* an Oscar-bait
picture... and invariably, I suspect Redmayne will receive many nods for his memorable turn
here.
As much as Hollywood's award-hungry attitudes frustrate me, it's important not to hold that
against the picture itself.
Marsh's cinematic style punctuates conventional scenes with somewhat ethereal moments that
contain a sort of dreamlike quality about them.
All while Jóhann Jóhannsson's uplifting piano and string-heavy score swells in the
background.
The PG-13 rated film doesn't really make any mistakes, but it never does anything to set
itself apart from any other bio-pic.
"The Theory Of Everything" may be familiar and depressing, but it's also an inspiring
romance about an influential figure.
Here's what you had to say in the YouTube comments.
You praised the acting, but were critical of the pacing, scoring this a GREAT.
Brilliant performances here, but they're hampered by a rather unoriginal package, I thought
it was COOL.