‘Theory’ is inspiring, wonderful

Written by Roger Thomas

My first experience with Stephen Hawking was when he had a cameo on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

He played a holographic image of himself; it was reported he did this because he was a huge fan of the show. I already knew who Hawking was. I am pretty confidant that we talked about him in the astronomy class I took in college, but neither Hawking nor the class left a lasting impression on me.

When I saw him years later on “Star Trek,” I defined him as I saw him on that show and never really thought about the life he has lived.

“The Theory of Everything” is the story of the early-adult life of Stephen Hawking and his first wife, Jane. Above all else, this is a love story, an impractical, often challenging love story – as most real romances are – that defies reason and exhibits immense compassion and inspiring passion.

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The film opens when young Hawking is trying to determine the subject of his doctoral studies. In the midst of this questioning he meets a young girl at a party. The two soon fall in love in spite of their very different world views. Jane is a Christian and believes the universe is the intentional creation of a divine being. Stephen believes all that exists can be explained by science, he is just not quite sure how, at least in the beginning.

Most already know that Stephen Hawking is diagnosed with motor neuron disease related to ALS, or more commonly called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Throughout the film, Eddie Redmayne depicts the different stages of the disease with impeccable acting. His performance seems almost destined to be Oscar-nominated. However, I would argue that both he and his costar, Felicity Jones, deserve attention not because of the physical performances as much as the emotional ones.

Beyond the lead performances, there are many strengths of the film: a screenplay that makes the situations and circumstances clear, cinematography that captures some truly special moments, fine art direction and strong supporting players.

The couple displayed on screen are authentic, struggling against great odds and finding a way through more difficult days than most of us ever face. Let it be said this is not a sad film. It is a very emotional one. Having no first-hand knowledge of how historically accurate the film is, I can only describe what is depicted by the film.

Ultimately, “The Theory of Everything” is an inspiring story and one that offers great hope. Hawking, the man and the film character, are inspiring by their vast achievements against all odds. Jane in the film, which is based on a book by the real Jane Hawking, is an example of great strength in adversity.

Toward the end of the film, when their lives seem to be heading in different directions, there is a moment of clarity about their past together that is as powerful as almost anything I have seen at the cinema this year.

I am sure I still have a lot to learn about Stephen Hawking and his theories, though I may be too old to comprehend most of his ideas at this point. Way back when I was watching his cameo on “Star Trek,” I should have been studying up on the man then.

Perhaps now I will just be satisfied with this wonderful little film that reminded me that Hawking is not just a brilliant physicist or a man who suffered a physical impairment beyond anything most of us could imagine. He is a man who found love and joy in spite of great adversity.

“The Theory of Everything” is one of the better films playing in theatres now. Go ready to be inspired by this story.

From ComingSoon.net

STUDIO: Focus Features

DIRECTOR: James Marsh

MPAA RATING: PG-13 (for some thematic elements and suggestive material)

SCREENWRITER: Anthony McCarten

STARRING: David Thewlis, Emily Watson, Charlie Cox, Simon McBurney, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones

GENRE: Drama, Romance