‘The Theory of Everything’

The Theory Of Everything, directed by James Marsh, provides a fascinating and touching insight into the life of Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) as a young Cambridge student. The film is based on the memoir of Hawking’s ex-wife, Jane Wilde Hawking (Felicity Jones), and follows the prominent physicist as he and his wife tackle his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.

The biopic captures the essence of a true love, depicting how the couple’s relationship is suddenly changed and defined by Hawking falling over one day and hitting his head. He is taken to hospital where he is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Hawking is told that he only has two years to live and as a result tries to create distance with Wilde. But she refuses to leave his side and serves as both a wife and nurse when his deteriorating condition makes him increasingly dependent.

One reason alone to see The Theory of Everything is Eddie Redmayne’s incredible and painstakingly real performance. Redmayne manages to portray the feelings of hopelessness and frustration effortlessly, conveying emotions that only a man in Hawking’s situation would feel – a man with an incredible healthy mind, but a body that is brutally limited and will not cooperate.

Despite its sombre plot, the film is surprisingly uplifting. As Hawking’s condition worsens he manages to stay positive and always has something funny to say, leaving the audience on the verge of tears one second and cracking up with laughter the very next.

The Theory of Everything gives a personal insight into the extraordinary life of an extraordinary man who defied time in every way possible. It is definitely one worth watching.

The film is currently being screened at Kingston Odeon.