At the age of 21, while in his final year at Oxford, the brilliant astrophysics student Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) was given only two years to live after his motor neurone disease (ALS) was finally diagnosed. While his body would gradually be paralysed, his mind, he was told, would remain completely functional.

Upon learning of his diagnosis, his girlfriend Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones) reacts unexpectedly; she not only tells him for the first time that she loves him but also that she wishes to marry him. Later, when her future father-in-law Frank (Simon McBurney) tries to explain what she’s in for, she tells him that she isn’t as weak as she looks.

Based on Jane’s memoir, director James Marsh’s The Theory of Everything is not only a biopic of the most popular scientist of our time, but a narration of his first wife’s story as well. We learn that Jane faced the challenges of looking after a man who required constant care and was unable to be there for her and their three children. It was a herculean task, and she performed admirably even when facing depression.

Further proof that the mind is not restricted by physical boundaries!

This was not without the support of Church Conductor Jonathan Jones (Charlie Cox), who was a rock for both her and Stephen Hawking.

A biopic is impotent without strong performances, and Redmayne is excellent in his lead role. For anyone who have watched Stephen Hawking’s talks, or read his book A Brief History of Time, Hawking clearly faced his challenges thanks to a giant heart and an endearing sense of humour. From Eddie Redmayne, we receive an embodiment of Hawking’s mind, body, and soul. Such is the empathy we feel for Hawking that we cheer when technologies such as an electric wheel chair or a voice synthesizer ease the difficulties of his life.

As you would expect, The Theory of Everything is an interesting film for science nuts. A part of Stephen Hawking’s genius is his ability to present complex scientific theories in a manner that even the uninitiated can comprehend, and similarly, the science in the film is quite accessible. Scenes where Hawking earns recognition for scientific advances are particularly thrilling to watch.

The Theory of Everything is not only a biopic of the most popular scientist of our time, but a narration of his first wife’s story as well. We learn that Jane faced the challenges of looking after a man who required constant care and was unable to be there for her and their three children.

Stephen Hawking is a man who juggled with formulas all of his life, so it is ironic that The Theory of Everything has the tendency to feel a little formulaic; especially when you consider that it is awards season. What’s more, the film seems to only scratch at rather than provide a more honest assessment of some of its more complex elements.

At its core The Theory of Everything is about the relationship of its principal characters, and the film is engaging because of the chemistry between the two, which is strengthened by appreciation, love and humour. Particularly interesting are the religious differences between the two; Jane is a devout Christian while Hawking is a firm atheist. But while the film offers a look at the issues faced by the two, it seems to gloss over their well-documented friction.

Similarly, the duo’s other relationships are handled with kid’s gloves. For example, Hawking’s second marriage to his nurse Elaine Mason (Maxine Peake), who was married when she met him, earns a kind examination, while their divorce amidst allegations of violence is ignored. Such shortcomings make for a good rather than a great film, which is a pity considering Hawking’s greatness.

Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and suggestive material

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, February 1st, 2015

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