"The Theory of Everything" traces the story of acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking from his days in Cambridge, during which he met his first love, Jane Wilding, and his worst nemesis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This film follows their love story through the challenges of ALS, marriage and children, scientific renown, all the way to an unexpected conclusion.
This biopic was done very well with excellent nostalgic cinematography, meticulous period production design, and a wonderfully emotional musical score. The story is told in an engaging manner, effectively bringing the audience along on an inspiring love story that withstood the storms until it could not. People who go in to know more about Hawking as a scientist may feel shortchanged, because unfortunately, his science is not really the main focus here. Because the love story took precedent over the science though, it may feel a bit generic at certain points.
The centerpiece of this film though is the resplendent transformation of actor Eddie Redmayne into Stephen Hawking. Redmayne was positively vibrant in the scenes showing the halcyon days of Hawking's youth, meeting the beautiful girl of his dreams. As the scenes turned to the slow deterioration of his body secondary to the motor neuron disease, Redmayne shows us the physical ordeal Hawking suffered. He nailed every smallest wobble and tremor.with clinical precision and heart-rending realism. Hawking's emotional journey was likewise well portrayed with an acting so deeply internalized. It felt like we were watching Hawking himself. This role of a lifetime got a performance of a lifetime from Eddie Redmayne, and for that reason, he is the clear winner in the Oscar race for lead actor.
"The Theory of Everything" is a beautiful looking film with a heartwarming inspirational subject matter. It is just too bad that real life did not give this film the happy ending we all wanted it to have. Felicity Jones as Jane was very good, as were the other supporting actors in the cast. However, this film is clearly Eddie Redmayne's showcase. This film is nominated for five Oscar awards, including Best Picture, Actor and Actress, Adapted Screenplay and Musical Score. The Musical Score award seems to be in the bag, together with Redmayne's for Best Actor. 7/10.
Stephen Hawking's story is inspiring. This movie will definitely touch people's hearts.
ReplyDeleteLovely romantic movie. Thanks for the review, must watch!
ReplyDeleteI guess what made this beautiful was the lack of happy ending. Just like Titanic, just like Romeo and Juliet, just like Notebook... :)
ReplyDeleteIt is emotional and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI will watch this movie. I'm glad I read this, you always are a good source of feedback or bg of movies, helps me make decisions on what to watch.:)
ReplyDeleteI heard a lot about this movie, The Theory of Everything. But it is not in my country yet. Wish to watch it.
ReplyDeletehaven't heard of this production (i wonder if it's released in sg yet?) but it sounds like a very inspiring movie! will definitely try to catch it at the cinema if i can!
ReplyDeleteAaah, this is something that I will watch. The composition of the poster and the title of the movie already got me interested. And, reading your review I like how it seems like it won't be just another love story but it's something cerebral too. I will not miss this one.
ReplyDeleteI've half watched this, and with his post I might check this out again. I liked the first part that I watched just wasn't able to finish because of some stuff to do.
ReplyDeleteiuh, I hate sad endibg actually. it makes me down and feel sad :(
ReplyDeleteI really need to go and see this film - it did so well at the Oscars and everyone is talking about it! Lovely review, certainly made me want to go and watch it! Sim x
ReplyDeleteAny romance film with an unhappy ending is a must watch for me, especially the indians. Not that I like sad endings. Horror and action too. I wonder what scientific lines he used to woo Jane. Curiousity. I think I need to watch this.
ReplyDeleteI loved this movie so much! It is so inspirational and motivational... It's going to stay in my mind forever!
ReplyDeleteThe movie is really a touching one. I guess even if the real life didn't have it's happy ending the film would be a fitting tribute to Hawking.
ReplyDeleteSo you wrote this before the Oscars but didn't post it/share it? You should add a postscript to let people know the Oscars that were won by this powerful and deeply moving film.
ReplyDeleteI think Eddie Redmayne is a very promising young actor who has a great talent to recreate complex personalities on the screen. I read how much he suffered himself to be able to achieve plausibility in the paralyzing scenes. Playing in this movie won him an Oscar.
ReplyDeletehonestly, the movie is very good but not my type to see. I stay away with sleepy flick kasi, kakaantok. I am more of the action genre lover.
ReplyDeleteI am really really excited to watch this one. I am really a fan of Stephen Hawking as a scientist so seeing another side which is a romance would be amazing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's a very nice romantique movie. I love the movie's poster design too!
ReplyDeleteActually, I have seen the movie but did not manage to finish it. I find the first part boring.
ReplyDeleteI've read another review on this movie, but I haven't seen it yet. I'll definitely check it out real soon though. Thank you for the great review! :)
ReplyDelete