Scientific/Romantically Compelling

Rating: 7/10 (20 November 2014)

(Spoiler Warning!)
Moving to a big city has its perks, one of them - social events galore. I was browsing Meetup.com when I came across a posting for a free prescreen of, "The Theory of Everything". Twenty-four hours later, I found myself in a half-empty theatre, watching a premium movie with a row critics sitting in front of me. For a guy who rarely busts out the big bucks for a new movie, I was in for a treat.
As some of you many know, Steven Hawking is the founding physicist who pioneered the mathematics behind the Big Bang Theory. As a scientist and Christian myself, I was expecting this movie to rehash the ongoing battle between agnostics and creationists. But I was wrong. Instead, quite elegantly, this story focuses on the life of Steven Hawking (played by Eddie Redmayne) from the time he started his doctoral degree at the University of Oxford till late in his professional career. His wife, Jane Hawking (played by Felicity Jones), is a Christian. The balance between opposing views on the existence of God was not debated in the classroom, but in the home, over dinner. One could say, there were no proverbial knives thrown during these conversations, but plenty of silence.
The main progression of this film is the generated by three plots.
The development of Hawking's medical condition: Lou Gehrig's disease. It was only a few months ago we were all pouring buckets of ice water over our heads to raise financial support and public awareness. The videography displaying the slow decline of his physical health was heart breaking, and a suitable reminder for us that long-term diseases are not like social fads.
The story of Jane Hawking: a strong and compassionate woman who cared for her disabled husband in during the 70s and 80s. This movie superbly captures her own internal battles as a mother, PhD student, and provider of a growing family. For example, when Steven finally accepts extra help around the house, Jane breaks down in tears. In my eyes, her story was just as incredible as Steven's.
The academic achievements of Steven Hawking. If you're thinking this movie is too 'scientific' for you, think again. At no point was I overwhelmed, confused, or lost interest because of the science. Rather, this plot gracefully moves from the classroom, to his dissertation, to his publishing and hardly mentions any scientific "mumbo-jumbo". Would it be helpful to know a little about stars? Go for it!
This is very stunning movie, but it could have improved in a few areas. I was unimpressed by the color casting on many of the romantic scenes. Either a dark blue, or deep orange masked Steven and Jane's flirty awkwardness. I found it very distracting. Also, the characters didn't age very well. By the end of the movie, she still looked like the cute college girl forty/fifty years earlier. And finally, nearing the conclusion of the film, Hawking is asked what his philosophy of life is, due to his disbelief in God. In response, he gives a short speech praising the hope of humanity. I'm not particularity against the contents of the speech, but its place in the film. If this film isn't a battle of world views, why claim victory in the end?
I would recommend this film for anyone who's interested in an inspirational, romantic, and scientifically oriented flick.
*oh yes, and it was lovely seeing professor Remus Lupin from Harry Potter, again (Hawking's professor is played by David Thewlis)