A Cativating Biopic, and An Intriguing Tale of Love

Rating: 8/10 (3 January 2015)

When I first heard that James Marsh, the director behind inspiring documentaries like 'Man on Wire' and 'Project Nim', is directing a biopic of inspirational scientist Stephen Hawking, I was quite excited and had too many expectations since the story was set to focus both on Hawking's achievements as well as his love life. Marsh doesn't disappoint at all; with the help of Anthony McCarten's screenplay (adapted from Jane Hawking's book), he gives us such a motivational and heartbreaking story of love, with all its ups and downs.
When Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, he was given only two years to live. Without the support of his lover at that time, Jane, he would have gone into a world of hopelessness and loneliness, and so would any man in his situation. No matter what our goals and ambitions are in life, we human beings are quite emotionally needy; we do need someone to be with us, as a companion.
No relationship is perfect, neither was this one. It was a love between two people with such different tastes and ideologies. Hawking went on with his theories, fame, books, and Jane had to take care of him, his children, and manage her studies as well. Their relationship was strained but quite moving. The inclusion of Jonathan into their lives was quite heartwarming; the string of scenes the movie shows of all them spending time together was quite beautiful. So without revealing anymore about the story, all I could say is, the characters (people) involved as well as the story-writers handled the situations quite commendably.
It's the two lead actors, Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, that give the characters and the story the depth it demands. Redmayne was first properly noticed in 'My Week with Marilyn'; he has come a long way from there, and has completely transformed himself to get into the shoes and wheels of the character. There are moments you think how closely he resembles the actual scientist. He is remarkable. And giving him support is the talented Miss Jones; her performance is more nuanced and subtle, but conveys the desired emotions with such impact that it's hard not to acknowledge her. She's the emotional backbone of the film.
The two other big strengths of the film are: the colourful and spectacular cinematography (by Benoît Delhomme), and the breathtaking original score (by Jóhann Jóhannsson). They help us delve into the world and lives of these fascinating characters. The movie is filled with heartwarming as well as heartbreaking moments, interspersed with lines of wit and humour which are sure to make one chuckle.
I agree, few of the negative aspects of their love life may have been glossed over, and few terrible aspects of Stephen's life with second wife have been excluded, but as much as they've shown, it's quite commendable. It's mainly Stephen and Jane's story, everything else is irrelevant. Ultimately, the movie isn't about physics, the universe or its theories; it's about us humans, our dreams and goals, and essentially, love, the one thing that binds all these.
The last sequence, recapping the major moments of Hawking's life in reverse (synced with the mesmerising music score), was terrific, and was the perfect ending the film deserved.