The Theory of Everything

Stephen Hawking has spent decades teaching us about the vast reaches of the universe. Now the biopic The Theory of Everything allows the rest of us to learn a little about him.

While it might lack focus and depth at times, the film serves not only to pay tribute to its subject, but to provide some insight into his life and career beyond his most famous theories and physical handicaps.

The story begins when Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) was a physics prodigy at Oxford during the 1960s, where he met Jane (Felicity Jones), a classmate who later became his wife.

At 21, he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (or ALS), and was given two years to live. He survived that projection, yet gradually lost his muscular function to the point where he’s unable to talk or speak. Despite the setbacks, Hawking retains his witty and self-deprecating sense of humor and Jane stands by as his caretaker, despite the flirtations of a church choir leader (Harry Lloyd). Eventually, however, the disease puts a strain on their relationship.

But from his wheelchair, a deformed Hawking continues to gain fame for his theories about time and space, and a technological breakthrough allows him to verbalize and write his landmark nonfiction book, A Brief History of Time.

It’s not surprising that the screenplay focuses so extensively on his personal life, since it’s based on Jane’s memoir. It takes a straightforward narrative approach, and sometimes feels conventional as a result.

Yet just like Hawking himself, there’s an offbeat charm to the film beneath its nerdy exterior. There are some compelling discussions about his atheism, which conflicts with Jane’s beliefs.

As directed by James Marsh (Man on Wire), the film also sheds some light on his affliction without trivializing or oversimplifying it, showing how he became depressed and withdrawn after his initial diagnosis and relied heavily on Jane’s support to pull through.

Of course, there’s a fascinating dichotomy with such a brilliant mind trapped inside a deteriorating body. As with any portrayal of Hawking, it’s difficult to focus on one without the other, but Redmayne’s committed performance captures his subject with thrilling conviction.

It might have been more analytical in spots and more sensitive in others, but The Theory of Everything is an inspirational tale of triumph over adversity that manages to prove itself.

Rated PG-13, 123 minutes.