Hot Take: Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking is extraordinary. The rest of the movie is ordinary. Well, that’s just my theory anyway.
Based on everything I’ve read about the life of Stephen Hawking, his biopic seemed more fiction than fact. If this is fact, it’s even more disappointing The Theory of Everything delivered a rather dull take on an extraordinary life and mind.
The film couldn’t decide if it was a love story (or love stories), a biographical telling of Hawking’s personal struggles or a way to bring Hawking’s theories to the big screen in a very basic, every man understandable way. The Theory of Everything essentially spreads itself too thin and falls short of being anything more than average.
“Spoiler Free” Pros
- Eddie Redmayne’s Performance
Redmayne’s transformation into Hawking and the many stages of his life are brilliant. The Oscar for his performance was well deserved. - The Film’s Handling of “Does God Exist?”
Hawking’s disbelief vs. his first wife’s belief is intriguing and presented tastefully. Plus, Hawking’s scientific approach to the topic comes across as realistic and believable.
“Spoiler Free” Cons
- Sex As Cheap Humor
The film’s “go to” for a laugh is Hawking’s sex drive and sexual capability. It still works. We get it. The real Hawking has presented himself as much wittier than the film’s script does. - Overall, the Film is Guilty of Pandering
The film goes out of its way to play to all audiences. However, there are times when it dumbs itself down to the point where it is somewhat insulting. - Why Is the Print So Ridiculously Small As the Credits Roll?
Maybe it’s my fault for watching the movie on a 21″ screen.