The Theory of Everything

As many of the 'based on a true story' films that Hollywood produces, it's getting to be rarer to see films that are pure fiction anymore, hence the new film, "The Theory of Everything". This is a true story/biopic that looks at a particular individual through the eyes of his wife.

This is the extraordinary story of one of the world's greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne), who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones) back in the 60's. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) or as it was called at the time, Motor Neuron Disease, at 21 years of age. Even though he was given approximately two years to live, his wife still fought tirelessly by his side, while Stephen was to embark on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of--time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed.

Others to round out the cast are Charlie Cox as Jonathan Jones, Emily Watson as Beryl Wilde, Jane's mother, Simon McBurney as Frank Hawking, Stephen's father, David Thewlis as Dennis Sciama, Maxine Peake as Elaine Mason, Harry Lloyd as Brian, Alice Orr-Ewing as Diana King, Guy Oliver-Watts as George Wilde, Jane's father and Christian McKay as Roger Penrose.

This was crafted meticulously by director James Marsh ("John Cale" (TV movie documentary) '98, "Wisconsin Death Trip" '99, "The Team" (Documentary) '05, "The King" '05, "Man on Wire" (Documentary) '08, "Red Riding: In the Year of Our Lord 1980" (TV movie) '09, "Project Nim" (Documentary) '11, "Shadow Dancer" '12). The painstaking approach he took to showcase every nuance of Hawking and his mannerisms-- his smile, the way the body parts were deformed, his eyeglasses, etc. was amazing detail. Of course, Redmayne's performance of this scientist was near perfection and could possibly earn him an Oscar nod come that time. It was well written by Anthony McCarten based on the book, "Travelling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen" by Jane Hawking. This biopic, as seen through the eyes of Jane Hawking, dealt more with hers' and Stephen's relationship as dating, subsequently marrying and having to take care of Stephen as His ALS only progresses. Him being one that questions the reality of God and her being a member of the Church of England made some difficulties in their relationship, but, as the old adage says, "love conquers all" took over in their lives. Amazing that all of his theories seem to not include God, but considering that they are only theories, how can one dismiss another form of belief when your belief is based on theory? This was certainly an arena that was touched on, but since it was based on Jane's book, their relationship took precedence. There were a few places of confusions if one wasn't following along and it was just a bit long-in-the-tooth, otherwise an interesting script.

Look, whatever side of the fence you're on with Hawking's life beliefs, you are seeing this more for the acting and directing than anything else. It gives all something to think about, all with a good dose of fine acting thrown in for good measure.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                 Rated: PG-13                               123mins.