Best Picture Review: The Theory of Everything

Summary via Fandango:

James Marsh's biopic of the celebrated scientist Stephen Hawking stars Eddie Redmayne as the famous figure. Enrolled as a graduate student at Cambridge, Hawking establishes himself as one of the leading minds of his generation and begins to win the heart of Jane (Felicity Jones). After one of his earliest breakthroughs, Hawking is diagnosed with ALS and becomes less and less able to control his own body. With the loyal Jane at his side, he continues his work. However, as the years progress, Jane starts to feel more like a nurse than a wife and Hawking begins to have feelings for a woman who is hired to care for him.

My Thoughts:

I was blown away by Eddie Redmayne's performance in this film.  He was excellent!  There were SO many times when I struggled to believe that he didn't actually have ALS himself.  A truly extraordinary performance.  The story itself was also quite interesting.  I found myself very caught up in it from start to finish.  I wasn't too familiar with Stephen Hawking's life story so every twist and turn was new to me.  I actually had no idea that he was still living so I kept anticipating news of his death for much of the film...but it never came.  The movie was rightfully packed with much emotion, too.  It is certainly not an easy task to be the primary caregiver for your ailing husband as well as your three growing children.  Similarly, I can't imagine having such a debilitating disease like ALS.  I enjoyed the perspective from both Jane and Stephen's point of view and thought the film did a great job of portraying both well.  This one is certainly worth a watch!

Other Nominations:

Actor (Eddie Redmayne)

Actress (Felicity Jones)

Music (Original Score)

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Did you see The Theory of Everything?  What struck you as most amazing about Stephen Hawking's incredible life story?

Andrea :)