This weekend I went to the movies wishing to immerse myself in a storyline other than “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.”
Instead I went to “The Theory of Everything,” starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. Based on the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane, viewers were given a look at the relationship between the two not previously offered. After watching it, I can say that the characters and the actors portraying them had me deeply and emotionally involved.
Stephen Hawking has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neuro degenerative, which eventually left him in a wheelchair and dependant on a computerized voice system for communication. ALS is a foul disease that leaves its victims with muscle spasms, difficulty in speaking and swallowing; and eventually ending with paralysis; however, it does not affect the individual’s thinking process. In the movie, Hawking is told, “You’ll be able to think, but no one will know what it is you are thinking.”
Redmayne’s portrayal of Hawking is phenomenal; he captures the rawness of the situation and took his acting to a different level. When the real Hawking saw the movie, there were moments when he thought it was himself he was seeing onscreen, and not just the performance of an actor according to theguardian.com.
The relationship between husband and wife was far from a classic love story; their love is strengthened by a mutual respect that never ceases. From their first meeting and wedding days after Hawking begins to suffer from his disease, Jane never leaves him. She gives him affection, support and patience. Redmayne and Jones complimented each other fantastically, delivering beautiful performances that left audience members as I witnessed, speechless and teary eyed. I believe everyone would benefit from seeing this movie; it gives you something to ponder hours after the final credits, encouraging one to strive to find joy.
There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. According to Hawking, “While there’s life, there is hope.”