The Theory of Everything Movie Review

For over one hundred years the silver screen has been bringing us stories that chronicle the lives of well-known individuals; some choose to veer off the facts for a more entertaining viewing experience whilst others are often inspiring in their nature. The Theory of Everything is the newest addition to the long line of biographical films and it’s another moving example of why the genre has endured for so long.

The Theory of Everything (based on Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Jane Hawking) follows the life and exploits of Professor Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) as he deals with the sudden onset and progression of motor neurone disease, the relationship with his wife Jane (Felicity Jones) and his studies and theories of astro-physics. Beginning in 1963, we are taken through the entirety of Stephen’s adult life and are given full witness to the pressures and struggles he and his wife endured over the years. Their bond is kept as a central focus at all times with Stephen’s family life and contributions to science running alongside, allowing the film’s emotional scenes to draw immense sympathy and even a hint of heartbreak from the audience. Yet just as Stephen feels intense frustration at first and then accepts and learns to transcend his condition, so too will audiences move beyond the sad nature of Hawking’s situation and be instilled with a feeling of hopefulness; the final scenes especially are filled to burst with emotional resonance, seamlessly putting across the film’s inspirational message. The film also integrates the theme of science verses religion at certain points, with the intellectual dialogue drawing the viewer in even more. Audiences will be endlessly drawn to Hawking’s tale; between the titular professor’s seemingly impassable constraints and ultimate overcoming of difficulties, The Theory of Everything is delightfully absorbing from start to finish.

Looking at the film’s production details reveals that Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones spent quite a bit of time learning their roles and the results are something to behold; with a combination of facial expressions, muffled speech and awkward movements, Redmayne comes as close as possible to the real Stephen Hawking, delivering an uncompromising and compelling performance all around. By contrast to Redmayne’s restricted expressions, Jones conveys a great range of emotions for Stephen’s wife; most notably her determined and resilient nature in being with Stephen and promising to beat his condition. But despite her steadfast dedication to Stephen, Jane isn’t a perfect individual; she does feel the frustration and pressure starting to mount and she does come to question just how long her marriage to Stephen will last. These are the kinds of performances which are both highly relatable and reinforce the film’s realistic portrayal of its source material. The side characters played by the likes of David Thewlis and Maxine Peake make good use of the material they’re given and never distract from the central chemistry between Redmayne and Jones. The cast members are every bit as engaging as the plot they inhabit and are most definitely the greatest aspect of the film.

Despite being a drama as opposed to a genre with rapid cuts and framing, The Theory of Everything also mixes in its own style of cinematography. To link in with the film’s scientific undertones, the camera often spins and homes in on circular objects to reflect Stephen’s theories of space and time, which transports the viewer into the inner workings of his mind. The music is a delicate blend of emotive undertones and hopeful rises, perfectly complimenting Stephen’s climb from frustration to overcoming the greatest of personal challenges. The make-up and costuming team also deserve high praise for their authentic designs and the very convincing way in which they show both Stephen and his wife aging and changing over 30 long years. Technical presentation isn’t really such a major component in dramas but The Theory of Everything takes pride in going the extra mile to engage the audience that much more.

The Theory of Everything has a heartfelt and emotional story, a symbolic cinematic style, and brilliant characters brought to life by the outstanding performances of Redmayne and Jones, culminating in the first big hit of 2015. As an inspiring biopic on an extraordinary individual, it has very few equals.

Rating: 5/5 Stars