the theory of everything
2015 review number 24:
The Theory of Everything: (Drama): 70 out of 100: Based on the adult life of Stephen Hawking, this biopic is satisfying without reaching any great heights. It's mostly memorable for Eddie Redmayne's remarkable performance as Hawking.
We first see Hawking at a party where he meets Jane, his first wife. They are both students, Hawking studying physics while Jane is dabbling in the arts (languages). It's very much love at first sight. While he is still at university, he is diagnosed with motor neurone disease which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Even though he has been given only two years to live, Jane wants to still marry him and enjoy together whatever years he has left.
"The Theory of Everything" is based on Jane Hawking's book "Music to Move the Stars" which is her chronicles of her life with Stephen. She comes across as a devoted wife even when Hawking's disease becomes debilitating. Because of her love for Stephen, there doesn't seem to be anything negative about their relationship even when he falls in love with his carer, Elaine Mason, who eventually becomes his second wife. Because of this approach, there really aren't enough peaks and troughs to make for a spectacular drama. It's only his illness which provides the main complication. The romantic scenes are rather tepid when compared to the transformation of Hawking.
It's definitely Redmayne who makes the film better than it is. He embodies the mind and body of Hawking and it seems like it is Hawking himself who is on screen, not an actor portraying him. It will be a tight battle between him and Michael Keaton to see who will receive this year's Best Actor Oscar. Jones is competent as Jane but her performance is not Oscar worthy. She should just be satisfied with her nomination.
I had some issues with the pacing of the film. There are some parts that are not as interesting as others with the main issue being that the story tries to cover too much of his life, thus resulting in a biopic that doesn't really take too many chances. It is more of a crowd-pleaser than one that is powerful and life-changing.
Hawking is an inspirational character and the music score is awe-inspiring. It's one of the major delights of the film. It's beautiful, symphonic, lush and accompanies the scenes well, bringing an added dimension to the dramatic aspects of the narrative. It will not surprise to see the composer, Jóhann Jóhannsson, receive an Oscar for his work.
There's no denying that "The Theory of Everything" is Eddie Redmayne's film. The movie itself will please those who don't mind a skimming of the surface retelling of his life but for those who want a more detailed account, you will be left wanting more.
Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones and David Thewlis
(123 minutes)
Parental advice: Adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUayjO_KgsQ (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Friday 13th February, 2015)
