Review of Einstein and Eddington (2008) by Stuart M — 14 Jun 2017

Dramatizing science is hard. Eureka moments can be exciting, but only if you know what they mean. Since most of us can't follow relativistic mathematics, this means that complicated theories need to be simplified to an elementary level and then clarified via simple metaphor. Like an infant learning to read by using a picture book. While the audience wouldn't understand real explanations of these theories they're not quite stupid enough to miss just how dumbed down it all is. Which means that we get some very smart people explaining what to them are basic concepts every time they discover something new. It feels false.

This film can't avoid falling into that trap. They try to counter the problem by having their leads explain their theories to laymen, but this requires a lot of maneuvering and this often feels as forced as the alternative. Einstein's a particular problem since his two main companions are his wife (also a mathematician) and Max Planck (he of the Planck constant). In other words, there's no need to talk down to them. The film confronts this by having him explain what he's doing to his sons, but as they're gone for most of the film it's a flawed solution. Eddington's a bit easier as he lives with his sister, who he'd naturally be expected to discuss his work with. Of course, she should still know more than your average layman and not need every obvious conclusion hammered home, but it does work better than Einstein.

Fortunately, aside from the science dramatization the film is pretty good. WW1 provides an ever-intriguing background and there are some wonderful shots of wartime Cambridge and Berlin. The performances are excellent. Andy Serkis (always nice to actually see his face) absolutely owns the direct and somewhat eccentric Einstein, while David Tenant assumes the harder task of making the fairly staid Eddington interesting. Curiously, while Einstein's the more entertaining character Eddington's the one the plot revolves around and who has the more interesting arc. Essentially, Einstein's already done his bit and the plot is Eddington figuring out a way to test it. Eddington also has some personal struggles as a devout Quaker and closeted homosexual. The plot's nothing special, filled with the basic twists and turns you expect, but watching these two characters live their separate lives is entertaining enough to make it worth a watch.