My theory? This film doesn't have everything

Rating: 6/10 (23 December 2015)

The life of Stephen Hawking has always had the potential to lend itself to a theatrical feature. His work in the field of science and his tragic diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease are two highly interesting aspects of his life that would translate effectively to the big screen. Finally, director James Marsh has decided to adapt Jane Wilde's memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, for his new film The Theory of Everything, a film whose release has garnered a huge amount of praise from critics and audiences alike. But contrary to the title, it doesn't really have everything.
The film is a biographical drama focused on the relationship between Stephen Hawking and his first wife Jane Wilde, a literature student he fell in love with at Cambridge Univiersity. It follows the pair from the 1960s onwards, following his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease, and the difficulties they encounter. Within the first half an hour, the film most definitely impresses. The writing seems to be on point, and the acting near-flawless. It genuinely seems as though it will be a gripping biopic. Hawking's diagnosis, the pivotal moment of the film, is presented as a horrific turning point; it doesn't shy away from presenting MND in a brutally raw fashion, relying heavily on excellent acting and cinematography to bluntly convey a harsh reality. It is a truly cathartic scene, painful to watch for all the right reasons. But then the film devolves into something of a feeble thing, diverting focus to Hawking's love life and how his immobility poses something of a difficulty. It's not bad as such, but it ultimately boils down to a depressing, unspectacular and rather ordinary romantic drama.
Even so, the praise the film has received is at least partially deserved; for one thing, the acting is superb. If anybody is worthy of all the praise the film has received, it's Eddie Redmayne, who assumes the role of Hawking and captures his body language and subtle nuances perfectly. He is utterly convincing in the role, while Felicity Jones who plays Jane is also highly commendable. Put simply, the cast is perfect. All the same, however, I can't help but feel disappointed with the film. The acting is tremendous, yes, but the story itself feels a little drawn-out. There are moments in the film that seem quite slow and uninteresting, and its predominant focus on the romantic aspects of Hawking's life frankly become monotonous after a short while. Of course, being based on Jane Wilde's book about her life with Hawking, you'd naturally expect the film to maintain a romantic focus – it is a love story after all. The trouble is, this love story just isn't very interesting.
Those expecting to see a gripping documentation of Hawking's life will more than likely be left disappointed. By about halfway through the movie, it becomes all about Jane, with little focus at all on Hawking's work in the field of science, which would probably have made for a more interesting film. Instead, the film's plot trudges along rather sluggishly, unfolding like a soap opera, belittling Hawking's efforts in favour of a clichéd and bland romantic drama. The fact that it is based on a true story merely makes the film out to be even more insulting, as Hawking's debilitating disease is conveyed as little more than an obstacle for the couple to overcome.
On a more positive note, the character development of Hawking and Wilde is very good, and their relationship seems to build and develop at a natural pace. That said, nurse Elaine felt a little underdeveloped, making Hawking's decision to take her with him to America seem rather sudden. Of course, this lack of development makes sense, as the book itself is presented from Jane's perspective, but it doesn't make for an overwhelmingly satisfying filmic experience. In fact, it feels as though the film peters out by its conclusion. It maintains a positive, pseudo-inspirational tone, but one which is hardly uplifting enough for you to leave the cinema feeling as though you've seen something 'great'. Contrary to all the praise and accolades, it's not a masterpiece. It's just an ordinary film.
Ultimately, it's difficult to summarise my thoughts on this movie. The praise the film has received is understandable, as the acting and cinematography is nothing less than amazing. Redmayne's Hawking is entirely convincing, and the harsh reality of his MND diagnosis is simultaneously conveyed in a beautiful and painful manner. But the film doesn't seem to know where its priorities lie; Marsh seems to disregard Hawking's disease in favour of a bland and forgettable romance. It might be a faithful adaptation of Wilde's memoir, but if you're looking for a gripping biopic on the life of Stephen Hawking, this isn't it.