Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Definitely.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 123 minutes (~2 hours)
“The Theory of Everything” is a romance and a biographical film about Stephen Hawking. It traces the relationship of Stephen Hawking and his ex-wife Jane Hawking and the challenges of living with his condition. It stars Eddie Redmayne (Stephen Hawking), Felicity Jones (Jane Hawking), Maxine Peake (Elaine Mason), and Charlie Cox (Jonathan Jones).
“The Theory of Everything” is one of those rare movies that will appeal to diverse audiences. It provides the romantic and dramatic aspect through the relationship of Stephen and Jane, but also features some elements of scientific discovery as it depicts the formation of Hawking’s theories. This movie is a romance at its core, but that’s not to say it won’t appeal to the more scientifically-minded members of the community.
Highlights
Eddie Redmayne’s performance as Stephen Hawking
Given that he’s paralysed for over half of the film, Eddie Redmayne still manages to deliver a charmingly optimistic Stephen Hawking. You sense his despair at the inevitable deterioration of his body, and the effect this has on his pride and ego. Yet despite his tragedy, he still manages to emit a charisma that draws people to him – no mean feat, given the limited expressions that Redmayne can believably produce as an older Stephen Hawking.
Character development of Jane Hawking
The film is just as much about Stephen Hawking as it is about Jane Hawking. We see her bildungsroman as she matures from an innocent maiden into an empowered, capable woman. She makes some difficult decisions over the course of the film, and remains a devoted wife to her paralysed husband. But her own character, motivations, and desires shine through as well, and her eventual decision to make peace with her conflicting needs is what makes Jane Hawking such a compelling character – possibly even more so than Stephen Hawking.
Beautiful metaphors and symbols
The film makes strong use of symbols and visual metaphors, both for character and for the academic aspects. This builds a subtle, but powerful thematic connection to the film that culminates in a picturesque conclusion that pays off all of these symbols.
Wonderfully romanticised without going overboard
Being a romanticised story about Hawking’s life, there’s a high chance that we only see the best parts of him and none of his flaws. However we do his shortcomings in addition to his strengths, and it’s skilfully portrayed amidst his paralysis. This lends a touch of realism and grounding to the otherwise perfect world he might live in.
Letdowns
Not as much scientific discourse as expected
This is not so much a letdown as it is a secret unfulfilled hope. There is some discussion as to how his books came to be and how his scientific discoveries were made, but not enough to make it satisfying for the geekier crowd.
Charlie Cox acts like a wooden block
He has no expression other than a beleaguered smile or a “I’m so dashing” smile, so you never feel anything for his character. Perhaps there wasn’t enough time to develop him or get a good grasp of this person. Well, at least he’s smiling.
“The Theory of Everything” is a poignant look at the life of a man who changed the way we viewed the universe. It shows us the all-too-human suffering and sacrifice that he went through, and reminds us that at the end of the day, Stephen Hawking is a human being, just like you or me.
“The Theory of Everything” opens in cinemas 8 January, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Singapore.
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