The Theory of Redmayne.

Rating: 7/10 (24 September 2015)

The Theory of Everything (2014): Dir: James Marsh / Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox, Maxine Peake, David Thewlis: Enticing true account of the life of Stephen Hawking whose very existence challenges the odds of life. He is a student who excelled to the extremes in physics and math. He meets Jane Wilde whom she finds curious and they begin a relationship. Central story regards a muscle disease that strikes him down rendering unable to get around. His brain is still active but his muscles deteriorate to the point where his speech is slurred and he is in need of a wheelchair, and eventually an electric wheelchair to get around. Director James Marsh captures the period, which takes place in the mid 1960's. The film's true strength lies in Eddie Redmayne's ability to distort his body and movements as Hawking's body breaks down. Felicity Jones plays the frustrated Jane who marries Hawking and struggles to provide for her husband's constant care. This leads to the screenplay's one big drawback when it presents the fall of their marriage and the introductory of a choir conductor, played by Charlie Cox, who also assists in Hawking's care. Maxine Peake plays Hawking's second wife who seems more able to care for him yet viewers may find this conclusion quite depressing. Other roles are fairly standard issue including David Thewlis as a fellow professor who sees great things in Hawking. While the film is sad it also presents a view of one stricken by such a condition as well as beating a two year life span odds to live to an old age. The theory of that will only come off as a surprise to those who watched him succeed. 7 ½ / 10