Review of The Theory of Everything (2014) by Richard B — 11 Nov 2015

Real Life?

There is no doubt that Professor Stephen Hawking is an admirable man, and that Eddie Redmayne's impersonation is spot on, Oscar worthy, disability stuff. What is less obvious is the love story between the religious Jane (Jones) and the agnostic genius.

When he is diagnosed with fatal (well, not yet) MND and given 2 years to live, Hawking tells his new girlfriend to go away. She refuses and tells everyone just how tough she is. But Jesus cannot save her from weak flesh. Years down the line, with Hawking a physical wreck, she falls for the widower priest who leads the choir. At first, he becomes their dearest friend and helper, but when Hawking's family sees what's what, they question the paternity of the couple's third child. Their romance is portrayed as an innocent platonic dalliance. But when Hawking gets a full time maid, his affections from the Mrs. waver, and they split up. And back together go the able bodied, Jesus loving lovers.

This is all well played, but frankly, is dramatically tepid at best. There had to be smoke, and if there was no smoke, it detracts from the film.

I found Redmayne very watchable, sympathetic and a shade too good to be true. Jones is also very good indeed. I usually don't go for this sort of thing, all too English and bland, but he is a real hero.

Well done everyone.