Movie Review - The Theory of Everything: a biopic that doesn't go as deep as it probably could

Ahh, the second biopic of an important, genius-level-gifted individual, who has faced or had to overcome some kind of adversity, in almost as many months; it must be the dawn of Awards Season!  'The Theory of Everything', set between the 1960's and 1980's, focuses upon the relationship between Professor Stephen Hawking and his first wife Jane - from their first meeting as students at a party, through his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease, and his physical decline which does not prevent their marriage, and having three children.  This is despite being told at diagnosis that he would only live for, at most, two years.

There's little doubt that Professor Hawking's story is a remarkable one of triumph over adversity, of defying the odds - and the important role his wife Jane played in not only caring for him, but enabling him to fulfil his potential as one of the greatest scientific minds to emerge from our country - is one that deserves to be told.  Unfortunately, this film arguably doesn't quite do it justice - although Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, as the central couple, give their roles the best they can, there's an unshakeable feeling throughout that this film doesn't really do justice to everything they went through; how physically and emotionally taxing and draining the Professor's deterioration must have been on each of them, the emotional lows that must have been experienced in the way.  This is definitely the case for Jane Hawking - apart from occasional glimpses of frustration, such as indications she is unable to complete her PhD, or when she complains that they will never a 'normal' family, it's hard not to feel that this barely scratches the surface of how difficult the sacrifices she made for her husband were for her.  Even when the handsome widower, and local choir master, Jonathan (Charlie Cox - soon to be seen as Marvel's Daredevil on Netflix!) becomes a virtual live-in carer, sharing Jane's caring burdens, it is clear that they have feelings for each other - but aside from a family argument at the christening of the Hawking's third child, the opportunity to explore Jane's emotional turmoil is never really taken.

Redmayne and Jones give fully invested, respectful performances as Stephen & Jane Hawking.

Throughout everything is played out in a very plummy, upper-middle class, stiff-upper-lip, highly British manner.  I suppose given the backgrounds and circles the Hawking's came from and moved about in, this is to an extent appropriate - but watching scenes, such as when Jane begins trying to rehabilitate a despondent Stephen following a tracheotomy that meant he would never speak again, I couldn't shake the feeling that there could have been more genuine depth of emotion to this.  The one scene that does manage to pull this off is toward the end, when the pair finally acknowledge that their marriage should end - an almost heart-breaking scene which succeeds in no small part due to the performances of the central leads.

Speaking of which, this film has been mentioned a lot recently in relation to acting awards, and Redmayne's performance is the stand-out.  He portrays Professor Hawking's decline at the disease in a way that never feels showy or attempting to be emotionally manipulating.  And on top of that, not only is his physical imitation of Hawking's likeness astounding, as the film progresses he portrays the Professor's humanity - his sense of humour and mischief - superbly, often only with the look in his eyes.  If there are award nominations for Redmayne's performance here they will be well deserved.

Redmayne's performance as Professor Hawking is at times remarkable...

'The Theory of Everything' is a respectful and occasionally moving biopic, anchored by strong central performances, but one that arguably could have reached even deeper to make a far more affecting portrayal of the Hawking's story.  Whether it picks up the awards recognition many have predicted for it is up for debate when so many other films, likely more impacting than this, are also under consideration - but it's certain that Redmayne's portrayal of a brilliant man will be remembered and celebrated by all who see this film.