The Theory of Everything

In three words; Twee - English - Substandard

Review;

The life of Stephen Hawking is without doubt the subject of astonishing achievement in the face of unimaginable adversity. And it is one which belongs on the big screen. Based on the book Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, written by Hawking's first wife Jane Wilde Hawking, The Theory of Everything charts the rise of an incredible human being.

Eddie Redmayne plays the genius scientist in this interesting adaptation. Redmayne had the challenge task of portraying Hawking from his early years at Cambridge University as he battles against the debilitating motor neurone disease, through to him becoming a house hold name. Redmayne has clearly studied his character in great detail and has produced a fantastic performance which merits his many plaudits, particularly his Oscar nomination for Best Actor at this years Academy Awards.

Redmayne's performance will be talked about for a long time to come I have no doubt about that. And while he is truly an excellent actor his performance is encased within a substandard film. Perhaps Redmayne will win the Oscar but the film won't walk away with the Best Picture award. Or at least it shouldn't in my humble opinion.

The Academy can sometimes look at a performance and then kid itself in to thinking that the film is wonderful. The Theory of Everything is let down by a somewhat overtly English tone which grated on me. It is rather twee, a little perfect. At times director James Marsh, in tandem with the Poor screenplay, teeter on the line of a Richard Curtis film. Which is something this film should not be. Yes there is romance and an element of realistic comedy within this drama but a drama it should remain.

There is a fine supporting cast with notable performances from David Thewlis and Maxine Peake. Felicity Jones has also received an Oscar nomination yet I feel this is another example of the Academy looking at the film rather then the performance. Jones does a fine job but is it Oscar worthy? No.

This is an enjoyable film there's no doubt about that yet for me it lacks dramatic effect at times, partly this is due to a rather poor screenplay and sloppy direction. Watch it, you'll no doubt enjoy it but it won't last the test of time.

Verdict;
3 out of 5