Movie Review – The Theory of Everything

Stephen Hawking is perhaps the most famous living scientist to date. It is no surprise that a biopic of his work was produced and released. This film, titled The Theory of Everything, retells Hawking’s life as he starts his PhD and contracts motor neuron disease, and beautifully captures his struggle with this disease as we see the distinguished cosmologist attempt to handle his research, his family, and his own motor functions during this time.

The film is based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen, which in turn, is a heavily updated version of the book Music to Move the Stars: A Life With Stephen. I’ll have to be frank, I did not read the book before watching the movie. Therefore, the film was not what I expected. I expected a film that focused more on the development of Hawking’s theory and in turn I saw a romantic film about a marriage’s struggle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. But I am not disappointed. The film presented a beautiful and seemingly real story about life with this condition.

The acting was superb, and in my opinion, the best aspect of the film. Eddie Redmayne surprised me with a more than amazing interpretation of Hawking. Felicity Jones doesn’t fall behind. Her portrayal of Jane Wilde, Hawking’s first wife is both strong and emotional, and she manages to give a very realistic interpretation of her character.

The story itself had some weak points, especially when it diverted away from Hawking and focused on other subplots that, although relevant, received more attention than required for the film to flow. In short, the film is about a marriage, but audiences were led to it to see Hawking. So whichever scene that diverts strongly from Hawking would seem a bit out of place to me.

The camerawork and lighting was beautiful, and sets a very unique mood for the film, which combined with the score and acting, gives a biographical pic that’s far from boring for those that do not like such movies. Another plus for me was that the film was kept family friendly, which means that anyone can watch it with their family. Anything that would be deemed too strong for small children is reduced to only being referenced to. For anyone looking to see a beautiful romantic/drama film, this movie is well recommended. If anyone is looking for a geek/physics film, then read the plot before you watch this movie. Either way, it is a film to enjoy.