The Theory of Everything

A brief history of Stephen Hawking's 30-year marriage to Jane Wilde, The Theory of Everything fits a tad too snugly into the biopic tradition. Anyone who's seen Errol Morris' expressionistic 1992 documentary on Hawking knows a conventional approach isn't ideal for the ALS-afflicted genius—which isn't to say James Marsh's new film doesn't succeed on its own more modest terms. Here, Hawking's contributions to the fields of physics and cosmology take a backseat to the story of his and Wilde's courtship, marriage and eventual divorce. That's no surprise: The Theory of Everything is based on Wilde's memoirs, so anyone expecting a disquisition on Hawking's theories should seek out the Morris doc instead. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones do a superb job bringing Hawking and Wilde to life, like two shining stars revolving around the same tragic center of gravity. Hawking's mind never slows as he deteriorates physically, nor does his wife's resolve to stick with him—until it does, that is. The film glosses over the inconvenient details of their parting, making it clear that Hawking married his nurse while declining to say much more. The Theory of Everything might not live up to its ambitious title, but there's still much to admire in this visually arresting portrait of a long and unique relationship. 

Critic's Grade: B-

SEE IT: The Theory of Everything is rated PG-13. It opens Friday at Fox Tower, Cedar Hills.

WWeek 2015