The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything was as captivating and intriguing as the critics and audiences had boasted it was. The film focuses on the relationship between Jane Wilde Hawking and Stephen Hawking, Stephen's diagnosis and his work in physics. Premièring last September at the Toronto Film Festival, the film has continued to garner attention from the masses and from award boards. With it's UK release earlier this month, many have flocked to the cinema to learn more about the infamous Hawking and to understand more about a man who has taught us so much about the world we live in.

The film is heartbreaking from the outset. We all know the condition Hawking is in now, so when our first encounter of him in the film is of a happy and mobile young man, it can be difficult to watch knowing the eventual outcome. Watching a disease completely envelope someone is tough but thankfully, the film had some well timed moments of comic relief. Even once the marriage between Hawking and his wife dissolves, the film remains uplifting. Trying simply to mirror the strength and determination of Hawking to not let his disease over come him. One interesting element was the involvement of Hawking himself in the film. In order to achieve a more realistic electronic voice for actor Eddie Redmayne, Hawking's own electronic voice is used. This was a nice touch and showed the support the film had from its subject but was also likely a relief for Redmayne as it was one thing he wouldn't have to worry about perfecting.

The acting could not have been easy. Whilst it's always difficult trying to embody the character of someone real, it's arguably much harder to portray someone as famous and respected as Stephen Hawking. Redmayne did, however, do a wonderful job of showing his characters struggle with movement and speech without looking gimmicky or exaggerated. Whilst Redmayne is certainly growing in popularity, I think it was important not to clog this film with famous actors and actresses. The story needed a cast that were humble and down to earth otherwise the characters, who themselves seem 'real' and homely would have been lost in a sea of Hollywood egos.

What was interesting to me was the way the film depicts extramarital affairs. Both Hawking and his wife experience romance, lust and desire out-with their relationship with each other. Perhaps it was because the film completely engaged with me and I was lost in their world and their struggles, but I didn't feel like either affair was deplorable. I completely empathised with Jane and how hard her life must have been taking care of the man she loved as he deteriorated before her. Stephen was understanding of the fact that his wife needed help in more areas than one and once he got to know Jonathan he saw a man that could make her happy. It was bitter sweet to see their relationship end although, it seems that that's what they needed to progress in their lives individually. 

As for the films ending... I thought closing such a poignant and thought-provoking film with Hawking and Wilde gazing upon their children was wonderful. It showed how despite having a life seemingly focused purely on science, Stephen was and is able to appreciate his children and the family he created. The scene lingered which allowed it to seep in properly and have the desired effect. I left the cinema in awe of a man who continues to challenge himself and the doctors who originally estimated only 2 years. How wonderful and challenging it must be to have a brain as quick and as inquisitive as his and not be able to use every fibre of your being to explore it.