The Theory of Everything (2014) Movie Review

 

The Theory of Everything | 2014 | 2h 3m
Genre: DocuDrama/Medical Drama/Biography/Drama/Romance | Country: UK
Director: James Marsh | Writers: Anthony McCarten, Jane Hawking
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior
IMDB: 7.7
My Rate: 10/10

Stephen Hawking’s life changed when he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at the age of 21, and Jane’s presence beside him gave him the spirit to keep pursuing all his dreams, but the journey was not easy for both, especially with his worsening illness.

Warning:

Contains sensual scenes and strong language.

 
Synopsis:

Stephen Hawking is pursuing postgraduate studies in astrophysics at the University of Cambridge. He accidentally meets Jane Wilde, a literature student, at a party. Their relationship goes very well, although Jane’s friends find Stephen a bit strange.

Stephen is an exceptionally smart student, earning high hopes from his professors. His ideas provide new insights in physics discussions. However, he struggles to find a topic for his final thesis until he gets an idea after attending a seminar on Black Holes.

Stephen, full of enthusiasm, suddenly experiences movement difficulties starting with his hand, culminating in a fall on campus. He is rushed to the doctor and diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Although it will not affect his brain function, his life expectancy is estimated to be only two more years.

This causes Stephen to become depressed and withdraw from his friends and Jane. Jane tries hard to help Stephen recover. Eventually, Stephen completes his thesis, and they get married.

Their marriage is not easy. Stephen, confined to a wheelchair, remains focused on his research and thoughts. Jane must handle everything alone, taking care of Stephen and their children. She even struggles to focus on her education.

Finally, Jane heeds her aunt’s advice to join the church choir to ease her mind and have some time for herself. There she meets Jonathan, who also helps take care of Stephen. Jonathan’s presence means a lot to their lives. However, the birth of their third children raises doubts about the children’s status, causing conflicts between Jane and Stephen’s family. Jonathan chooses to step away to prevent the conflict from escalating.

Will Stephen and Jane overcome the difficulties in their relationship?

 

Review:

The Theory of Everything is a film adapted from the 2007 book titled Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Jane Hawking (Stephen Hawking’s former wife). In this film, we see Stephen’s life journey over three decades: the beginning of their relationship, the initial diagnosis of his illness, and his success in the scientific world. Viewers will witness the ups and downs of life from happy phases, depression, to a very well-executed resolution.

Stephen Hawking is a physicist famous for his theory of time. He is one of the scientists I personally regard as a reference for time travel theories. In his book Theory of Everything, he states that if we could travel through time, many story branches would emerge. One of his strengths, also seen in the film, is that despite all his limitations due to illness, he never stopped thinking and proving his theories.

Now, let’s discuss the film itself. It successfully presents the story very beautifully and systematically. Viewers can easily understand the plot and become immersed in it.

The background of the characters and story is built very well. Viewers can follow the story even if they initially do not know who Stephen Hawking is. We see in detail the life phases both experienced, making the story’s foundation very strong—how they met, went through difficult times, and finally married happily.

Conflicts arise gradually as Stephen’s health worsens. We slowly see Jane struggling with her life, having to manage everything alone and even neglecting herself. Her mental health begins to suffer, then Jonathan’s presence and the family’s doubts about her gradually build the conflict until the climax when Elaine appears in their lives.

The resolution is presented very touching and moving. Character development is evident in each role. Stephen begins to trust in God a little, and their lives start improving. The most touching moment is when all the memories they have gone through are presented again in flashbacks, which aligns with Stephen’s theory—reversing time to understand the beginning of life. This also relates perfectly to the film’s title.

Another strength of this film, besides the story and presentation, is the casting. The acting of both the main and supporting actors is truly impressive. We can see the resemblance between Eddie Redmayne and the real Stephen Hawking, as well as how he portrays someone suffering from ALS. Additionally, Felicity Jones delivers a great performance with expressive acting. Everything is done with full dedication and detail. It is no surprise that this earned them awards for their acting in this film.

In terms of makeup and appearance, it is also not excessive. Everything fits the proportion and era. The choice of music and sound effects also matches each scene. Camera movements, transitions, and color composition play an important role in building the atmosphere in this film.

Overall, this film is very well adapted. The touching story is successfully conveyed and presented perfectly.

 

Memorable scene:

#spoiler. Jane realizes that her relationship with Stephen is no longer the same, especially after Elaine’s arrival. Jane chooses to give up and reflect on the long time they spent together, remembering that Stephen was initially predicted to live only two years after his first diagnosis. With all the joys and struggles they have experienced and the sacrifices made, she reluctantly lets go of everything.

Some people, including myself, might feel a bit disappointed by Stephen’s actions, as he ‘easily’ falls in love with Elaine, who just appeared in his life. Especially when reading his statement elsewhere saying, "It's wonderful – I have married the woman I love," which seems to imply he does not feel the same for Jane. However, we cannot judge this because both faced their own difficulties in living together. The fact that they remain good friends afterward suggests that this decision was the best for them.

 
Memorable dialogue:

"While there is life, there is hope"

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 
Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)