Review of The Theory of Everything (2014) by Bradley W — 07 Mar 2015

The Theory of Everything has flawless direction, a smart script, and a great score, but what will leave you speechless is the performance from Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking. He is a revelation, giving us not a character but a man that is dealt an awful hand of fate and we must follow him through his life of pain, but also a life of love and admiration.

Each new act has Redmayne take on an entirely new performance, as Hawking's disease worsens. Its truly a performance that has deserved the praise and awards, including his Oscar. Felicity Jones should not be forgotten as well, with her performance being an emotional powerhouse that really hits the viewer.

We sympathize with her as she is put in a tough situation along with her husband, and it really helps us see how this disease effects not only the victim but the ones closest to him or her. Stephen Hawking is one of the greatest minds of all time, and seeing his journey was an honor.

While the film did feel like Oscar bait at times and it having dozens of similarities with Ron Howards A Beautiful Mind, it never strayed from the story it wanted to tell and gave us two brilliant performances in the process.

The Theory of Everything may not be anything life changing nor is it the first of its kind, but its still a grand achievement in direction and acting and should be recognized as one of 2014's best films.