The Theory of Everything

This movie portrays the life and marriage of a man whom I don't know much about even though his name and profession is unmistakable. I can't imagine what Stephen Hawking was like in his early years and I was also excited to see the unique love story between him and his wife in the form of "The Theory of Everything". Then towards the end of the film, it became apparent that Jane is his ex-wife and the movie for me ended unhappily. Other couples who experience a trial like this are able to remain together, why couldn't Stephen and Jane? The reason in real life was not Stephen's disability but instead the conflict of beliefs between them. These plot points made the movie a little hard to enjoy but the acting in this movie was impressive, especially from Eddie Redmayne.

Parts of the movie touched me such as when Jane first tells Stephen that she loves him. My current goal is to find a strong woman like Jane that I can share my life with. Though it can be disheartening for me to see eccentric characters like myself get the girl on the movie screen, it also motivates me to have hope. The sincerity of the romance is an important part of this movie and was well executed. I also liked the scene in which Stephen makes a presentation of a new theory to other professors. It seems like the room is disinterested because of his speech impediment getting in the way of his presentation. When some of those in attendance walk out in defiance of his theory, we really get worried. Then it is revealed that most in the room heard and understood to our relief. "The Theory of Everything" deals with many strong themes but especially science vs. religion. From one on the religious side of the fence, I believe there is in fact no fence. The more we understand in science, the more we understand about how God operates. The work of scientists, including the work of Stephan Hawking, helps us to theorize about the true workings of the universe as being under the control of our Heavenly Father. Because there is so much to learn about the universe and because it is so complex, it is evidence of the existence of a Supreme Being who requires us to walk by faith. Science can strengthen our faith if we allow it to, not destroy our faith. Science said that Stephen wouldn't live past the 60's. If that diagnosis was wrong and if Stephen's early theory was wrong, who’s to say that there is no God? The purpose of our existence is to be tested and Stephen Hawking is passing his test with flying colors. He was given this trial in life because he can handle it. One of my favorite moments in the movie is when Stephen receives his electronic voice and uses it to impersonate HAL 9000 and other characters in entertainment.

I was introduced to Eddie Redmayne by way of "Les Miserables" and in "The Theory of Everything", he gives an even better performance. Once again, he has great chemistry with his romantic interests in movies. I fully believed the scenes between Radmayne and Felicity Jones. In preparation for the role, Redmayne studied every video he could find of Hawking and it shows. Redmayne deserved his Oscar win for this performance as well as the Golden Globe and the Screen Actors Guild Award. I was wondering if Hawking lent his electronic voice to the film and I was right. It was the occasion of seeing this film that made me realize that Hawking's vocal performances on "The Simpsons" and "Futurama" on TV were not necessarily him personally. He just gave permission to use his electronic voice. Stephen Hawking is the reason why this particular electronic voice is no longer produced so it is truly his to speak with. David Thewlis is once again playing a teacher and he does it well. The musical score by the way won the Golden Globe for Best Musical Score.

The other Oscar nominations that this movie garnished include Best Picture, Best Musical Score, Best Actress (Felicity Jones) and Adapted Screenplay. Apparently, Stephen Hawking shed a tear after a screening of the film and I almost did as well. I was disappointed however that the relationship between Stephen and Jane did not last because that was what I went into the film expecting. At least the filmmakers stayed true to the facts. While the acting in this film was pretty good and the story was motivational, it dealt with some themes that may have gotten in the way of its entertainment value.

3.5 Stars