Set in 1963, The Theory of Everything documents the initial diagnoses and gradual, physical decay of distinguished physicist Stephen Hawking. Working towards his Ph.D. in cosmology, the 21-year-old Cambridge student is shattered by the realization that he possesses an irreversible motor neuron disease. Experts assure Hawking that the potent, crippling illness will afford him approximately one year to live, but far less time for normalcy and happiness. Despite his impending bodily disintegration, Hawking clings to the fact that his brilliant mind will remain unaffected, and he determines to outsmart his disease.
Even stronger than Hawking’s resolve is the unyielding support of Jane, his love interest. Stephen met Jane Wilde Hawking (Felicity Jones) at a Cambridge party and was smitten with the arts and literature student from that night forward. The blithe and slightly awkward pair were only briefly together before Hawking’s disease revealed itself and threatened to end the courtship.
Yet, fully aware of the risks and challenges that would accompany Stephen’s (supposedly) brief future, Jane refuses to leave his side. She insists on battling the war on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) together and vows to fulfill his limitations. Jane does not view his struggle as romantically deterrent. The two promptly marry and bear their first child.
Though ever-headstrong and devoted as Hawking’s state worsens, Jane could never have prepared for her husband’s heartbreaking deterioration. Mild symptoms such as his limp, hobble and general weakness steadily progress into total immobility, drooling, choking and seizing. Her beloved cricket and dance partner quickly becomes vegetative and fully dependent on her assistance.
The aforementioned afflictions were even painful to stomach as moviegoers. The unforgiving effects of Hawking’s ALS are gut-wrenching and cast a depressing shadow. Eddie Redmayne deserves endless praise for his character commitment. The Englishman perfectly conveyed Hawkings’s forlorn retrogression and deserves professional applause for his delivery.
The pitiful realities of illness are counterbalanced by the film’s themes of love and perseverance. A testament to his unique character, Hawking is as sharp, witty and optimistic as ever as the disease consumes him. While his bodily capabilities dwindle, his genius and spirit actually flourish. Hawking completes a thesis focused on time and blackholes, and he receives his Ph.D. from Cambridge University. He goes on to teach his theories around the world, speaks as a guest at the most prestigious science conventions and authors A Brief History of Time.
A true symbol of success and ambition against all odds, Hawking became a global inspiration. During a lecture question-and-answer, Hawking memorably responded:
“There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.”
Though the biopic heavily features romance and ends happily, The Theory of Everything avoids the clichés that plague most feel-good films. Viewers are privy to the couple’s marital toil and eventual demise. Jane is stressed, exhausted, frustrated and lonely despite having three children and a committed husband. She is emotionally connected to Stephen but romantically invested in a widowed choral instructor (Charlie Cox). Her loyalty falters while Stephen is a guest of honor outside the country.
The film presents many of human nature’s mysteries. Case in point: Hawking leaves Jane — arguably a martyr for his sole benefit — for the young caretaker Jane hired to teach Stephen a new method of articulating. The university lovebirds divorce but remain lifelong friends. Both remarry but together spend time with their grandchildren.
Stephen does not manage to develop one concise equation in the movie, but the film closes without a doubt of his multifaceted success. Hawking is academically revered, a medical miracle, a proud father, a motivational speaker and a published author. He is offered a knighthood by the Queen of England and opens himself to the possible existence of a God he long denied. The Theory of Everything is at once touching and upsetting, but above all else, it is inspiring.
All are encouraged to experience the power of this production on the big screen. The Theory of Everything is currently playing at Baltimore’s independent theater, The Charles, as well as the Cinemark Towson.
