The Theory of Everything – Review

“It’s all been rather extraordinary hasn’t it?”

The difficulty in producing a biopic with a story that is well known is covering the parts that aren’t well known. The Theory of Everything has to juggle the tale we all know – Stephen Hawking is given two years to live and proves that completely wrong – with the far less publicised love story. It succeeds, but not totally, the romance plods up and down, but provides enough interest to keep the film moving.

Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne), a brilliant but lazy scientist meets Arts student Jane (Felicity Jones) at a party. The two talk all night and begin a romance. However, while working on his PhD, Stephen collapses and is told by a doctor (an excellent Adam Godley) he has motor neuron disease and he has only two years to live. Jane refuses to leave Stephen as he continues his work before his time runs out.

The story of the Hawkings is incredible, there is no doubting that, but their romance in this film at times feels labored. Their magical love-at-first-sight introduction is never explained. I’m not sure how Stephen, obviously played out to be awkward and bumbling, managed to keep Jane riveted through hours of scientific conversation at their party, yet alone, have that conversation be the basis for her virtually unwavering love for the next decade or so. They do have a lovely romantic evening at a ball, but it all seems a little contrived and lacking in depth.

The relationship is held together by the strength of the lead performances. Redmayne nails the role, making sure he never slips into parody and never gets to theatrical. Redmayne makes brilliant use out of his eyes later in the film. It’s a stunning performance from a relatively fresh actor, and one that looks like it could cement him as one of the next great character actors. Jone’s Jane is given life that seems like it wasn’t in the script (an overall impressive one by Anthony McCarten). In particular her relationship with a churchman in Jonathon (Charlie Cox) is given a certain emotional gravitas by her hesitant, but desperate performance.

Unfortunately, both characters seem at their best when they are not alone with each other. Stephen is at his best when he is working. Their family becomes incredibly more interesting when Jonathon becomes a third parent, and the marriage is perhaps most intriguing when they are discussing God. Scenes surrounding God – Jane’s firm belief versus Stephen’s logical disbelief – are perhaps the most interesting of the film, but they are rare.

Aside from a charming, fatherly role from David Thewlis, The Theory of Everything  belongs to Jones and Redmayne. They carry it to an entertaining and heart warming place. The reverse montage to close the film is clever and enforces the emotion behind this film, and it is a nice touch from director James Marsh, who does a solid job. The film makes itself more about their marriage than it needs to be, but the Hawkings take the film to the nice place it deserves to be.

The Theory of Everything

7.2 out of 10 – Very Good

Carried by standout performances from Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything does just enough to escape the dull background of the main plot.