A Solid British film led by strong performances

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2015)

Make no mistake, The Theory of Everything should not be dubbed the Stephen Hawking Biopic or anything similar for that matter. In fact it is quite the opposite; it is a love story between two people, one of whom later is struck down by a crippling condition, and how their love was prolonged in light of such a factor. For that matter, praise must be lauded on the writers for taking a chance with the story by placing the achievements of Dr Hawking to one side, instead focusing on an unfamiliarly emotional side of his character.
My initial thoughts about the Theory of Everything appear to be my only concern with it; it has a Sunday afternoon made for TV feel to it, and whilst this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it does suggest that the production team have tried to create that particular effect, a homely, warm story of love and defiance - and it works.
If anything, it is the brilliant acting of the leads, Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, that help the film garner the appraisals it has generated; and rightly so. Redmayne appears to have taken a page out of Daniel Day Lewis' book (see 1989's My Left Foot), with a performance so committed yet credible, its no surprise he took home the Academy Award for his portrayal. Whilst I am tempted to proclaim his performance as one of the best of the decade, I still feel that the actor is consumed by a stereotypical bubble of being cast as the Nice Upper Class English Gentleman; it would be interesting to see how Redmayne's career pans out from this performance - especially so as he has now etched himself in award history. Credit must be given where credit is due and make no mistake, the acting is phenomenal.
In light of Redmayne's physical commitment to the role, its easy to forget the grounded albeit more restrained performance Felicity Jones gives as Jane Hawking. If anything we are made to feel a closer association with her character than Dr Hawking's as she ultimately represents the notions of pain and hardship in a way that is completely relatable.
This is a solid film; one which is given real flavour with its central performances; highly recommended just for the acting alone.