Director: James Marsh
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox
Certificate: 12
Running Time: 123 minutes
Extras: Deleted Scenes, Becoming The Hawkings
2015 got off to an incredible start with THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING and now with its Home Entertainment release the story based on Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, written by Jane Hawking, gets an even bigger audience as we witness the astonishing life story of one of the greatest minds to come from our shores; Professor Stephen Hawking.
Although Stephen Hawking is the famous one of the pair, it is rather interesting that the film’s story comes from Jane’s memoirs. By coming at the story from this angle a lot of the rose-tinted glasses aspects so common with biopics are missing. That being said, it is worth noting that Jane isn’t a bitter ex-wife and as such her ex-husband comes across a lot better than some other men might have if their ex-spouses had written a story about them. Another refreshing and welcome aspect is that, despite the coverage of Hawking’s medical problems and career, the film’s emphasis is instead placed on the impact and implications that his condition had on the young couple.
Redmayne and Jones give incredible career-changing performances as the young lovebirds who find themselves facing an impossible situation. Once you have seen THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING it is quite clear why both leads have found themselves with Golden Globe nominations, I think its also pretty safe to say that Jones and Redmayne can expect more nominations in the near future.
Redmayne is so convincing in his portrayal of Stephen, the intricacies of his motions so spot on, that you will completely forget that you aren’t seeing the real man. Even Hawking himself got confused during a viewing, believing that he was watching footage of himself rather than an actor playing him. A previous nominee of the Rising Star BAFTA, Redmayne spent a lot of time doing research for this role and the result is a truly amazing spectacle.
Felicity Jones also gives a very powerful and layered performance. Jane is a young romantic when she first meets Stephen and, despite their future looking short and bleak, she commits to the idea of marrying the man she loves. It is once they are married that her strength of will shines through, her utter commitment and devotion to her husband and family is truly commendable. As the years pass and new complications arise the viewer can’t help but completely empathise with Jones’ character.
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING is made even more compelling by the luscious landscapes visuals, and the dreamlike charming score. The colours of the countryside are vivid plush greens, reminding us that though we might not have the best climate we have some truly beautiful greenbelts. Combined with the incredible acting and uniquely inspirational life story, the images and sound aid in making everything even more endearing.
A breath-taking story of love, obligation and time, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING is biopic perfection.
[usr=5] THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING is available on Digital Download, Blu-ray and DVD now.
