Based-on-true-story biographical films usually go one of two ways. Often they can be too fact-heavy and come off like a documentary (last year’s Mandela), but the better ones dance the fine line between story and heart (Hotel Rwanda and A Beautiful Mind are some of my favorites). The Theory of Everything falls towards the latter. While not necessarily a stellar film, it is solid, and it does feature an incredible portrayal by Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking.
The movie starts with Hawking in college in 1963, before his symptoms of ALS have begun. He meets future wife Jane (Felicity Jones) just as his illness is starting. The film then follows his life from there on, through his initial diagnosis (initially given just 2 years to live!), his ground-breaking scientific theories, and his personal life as his body progressively fails him. I don’t know much about Hawking, but I know enough that the film does sugarcoat some of his flaws in typical Hollywood fashion, but it still creates a beautiful depiction of his perseverance against near insurmountable odds.
The real highlight of this movie is Redmayne. He becomes Stephen Hawking in this movie. Mannerisms, facial ticks, the whole package. He should be a strong candidate for best actor in all the awards shows this year. The film is worth seeing on its own, but even if it weren’t as good as it is, Redmayne’s representation is one all movie lovers should see.
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