Focus Features | Release Date: November 7, 2014
7.8
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Generally favorable reviews based on 573 Ratings
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4
benuttyNov 16, 2014
It's curious how a film about a man who wrote his graduate thesis on time manages to treat time with such disregard--Marsh flutters through this man's extraordinary life with utter disregard for cause & effect, showing us the end results of aIt's curious how a film about a man who wrote his graduate thesis on time manages to treat time with such disregard--Marsh flutters through this man's extraordinary life with utter disregard for cause & effect, showing us the end results of a number of events in Hawking's life without showing us how he got there or what it means to him when he does. Surely the central romance is important to his work, but it's a shame Marsh isn't able make the connection in a more intriguing way.

And enough with the glow effect on the lens. ENOUGH.
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4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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6
grandpajoe6191Aug 25, 2015
"The Theory of Everything" tells the story of acclaimed professor Steven Hawking and his relationship between his wife Jane as she helps him fight through his illness till the very end. Although well crafted with some memorable scenes here"The Theory of Everything" tells the story of acclaimed professor Steven Hawking and his relationship between his wife Jane as she helps him fight through his illness till the very end. Although well crafted with some memorable scenes here and there, I did find the movie to lack the love chemistry between the main characters; I mean, isn't this the kind of romance movie you'd watch with your girlfriend? If so, get ready to get bored out of your mind. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
AkashVijayJan 21, 2015
A terrific performance by Redmayne in a decent movie. But this movie just feels too neatly tied and a bit too angelic. Everyone in this movie is so perfect. There are no character flaws whatsoever. Even when Stephen and Jane separated, JaneA terrific performance by Redmayne in a decent movie. But this movie just feels too neatly tied and a bit too angelic. Everyone in this movie is so perfect. There are no character flaws whatsoever. Even when Stephen and Jane separated, Jane just fell on her knees and said "I'm sorry I wasn't of better service to you. I did my best". That's just manipulative and mawkish beyond belief. It was an insult to the audiences' intelligence. But that being said, the movie does balance Stephen Hawking's marriage, his illness and his work very well. But it's disappointing to see this film following the quintessential trite, mundane and conventional biopic formula, given that it's about a truly unconventional and exceptional man. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
nicholasbertJan 26, 2015
Apart from excellent acting performances (and I daresay Felicity Jones's one is better than Eddie Redmayne's), The Theory of Everything does nothing to pull the audience into a subtler, less clichéd story. Those of you who expected scienceApart from excellent acting performances (and I daresay Felicity Jones's one is better than Eddie Redmayne's), The Theory of Everything does nothing to pull the audience into a subtler, less clichéd story. Those of you who expected science can stop watching immediately - unfortunately, the love story that is the substitute central plot element is not interesting enough to draw the attention of romantic-movie fans.

The Theory of Everything makes Hawking's disabilities basically the only thing worth mentioning, flying over his achievements and even his general way of picturing the world - and rather focusing on his wife and his love story, despite the lack of the amount of drama this would require to be effective.

In general, a clumsily edited picture with no pretenses and presented as an unfortunate series of clichés about scientists, handicap and extramarital relationships, in this order.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
david23Feb 16, 2015
First things first: if you watch this movie expecting the focus to be on Stephen Hawking and his work - like I did - then you will likely be greatly disappointed (like I was).
So much screen time is spent upon his then-wife, Jane, and their
First things first: if you watch this movie expecting the focus to be on Stephen Hawking and his work - like I did - then you will likely be greatly disappointed (like I was).
So much screen time is spent upon his then-wife, Jane, and their relationship that, on the few occasions that we actually see him presenting his theories, you feel completely disconnected from those accomplishments because absolutely none of the work behind them is portrayed on-screen. So we end up with a few odd scenes (amongst all the love-stuff) where Stephen speaks to a room full of people about his theories and then everyone stands up and starts applauding him and how brilliant he is. But, for the unintelligent people in the cinema like me who don't have a clue what he's on about because the movie doesn't provide a single iota of the background work or thoughts then went into these theories, you're left feeling like he may as well have said 'Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah'. And everyone still would have stood up and cheered, because the Movie Director needed a few uplifting moments.
And, boy, does it need those uplifting scenes in amongst the grey, depressing story of a man diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Yes, Stephen Hawking has accomplished a great deal in his lifetime so far but so much of this movie focuses on the struggles of his wife, Jane, to cope with looking after him as his condition worsens that the film ends up feeling more informative than entertaining (and what do we go to the cinema/movie theatre for if not to be entertained?)
My other issue with the movie is that, especially when you find out that it's based on a book by Jane, it feels distinctly like it glosses over the foibles of his then-wife and yet highlights the flaws of others. Her being unfaithful garners five seconds of screen time but when Elaine (Maxine Peake) shows up later in the movie to help Stephen, she's portrayed as something like a naughty nurse from a 'Carry On' movie who tries (in several scenes) to undermine Jane. It's these things that - especially when considering whose book this movie is based upon - make it feel like it may be a slightly biased version of events.
However, there are positives about the movie that need to be highlighted. There are some greatly funny moments and these are often provided by Stephen's university room-mate Brian (played wonderfully by Harry Lloyd). He brings some much-needed laughter to a sometimes otherwise dreary movie.
Of course, the main highlight of the film is the performance of Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking. As I write this review, he is Oscar-nominated for it and I would be shocked if he does not win the award. Without such an outstanding job by the leading actor, I feel that 'The Theory of Everything' would have fallen completely flat but his outstanding performance is absolutely spot on.
Overall, if you're interested in Stephen Hawking then - by all means - you may find 'The Theory of Everything' worth watching. Otherwise, there's not much to be gained here other than seeing a tired, generic love story in a different setting.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
hotfromcauldronNov 17, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What orbits around Redmayne’s stellar performance sucks the air out of this Hawking’s biopic. Hairdos change, couples swap, time passes- but nothing happens. Until a touching two minute reverse recap at the very end. Even if love is the answer- the question remains- why is this movie relatively mediocre. Expand
6 of 7 users found this helpful61
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4
LamontRaymondNov 9, 2014
I'd never recommend this movie. I'd read that the emphasis would be on Hawking's school life and his romance with his first wife. Unfortunately, that only comprises the first half of the film. The second half is entirely too slow. TheI'd never recommend this movie. I'd read that the emphasis would be on Hawking's school life and his romance with his first wife. Unfortunately, that only comprises the first half of the film. The second half is entirely too slow. The sequences of Hawking struggling to pull himself up his staircase - looking at his son at the top of the stairs - mirrored many of the people in our theater struggling to get to the end of this film. Sure, Redmayne is awesome, but when he gets into his "My Left Foot" mode, that's no longer acting, in my opinion. I'd much rather award an actor for subtle, true moments - not pretending like he or she is physically disabled. Seems far too easy. Pandering. The movie simply needs editing. And I would have loved to hear more about the Quantum Physics vs. Astro Physics relationship that they merely touch upon. Expand
6 of 15 users found this helpful69
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6
jeremypNov 30, 2014
As a made for TV biopic it would be passable but as a movie it's insistence on pursuing a pastel course makes it tame stuff indeed. Redmayne does yeoman work with the physicality, but has little else to do. Is there a personality under thatAs a made for TV biopic it would be passable but as a movie it's insistence on pursuing a pastel course makes it tame stuff indeed. Redmayne does yeoman work with the physicality, but has little else to do. Is there a personality under that shell? Or just a brain. Far too much is left for the imagining, almost as if getting deeper into the reality of Hawking's life would detract from the hagiography. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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6
ScribeHardDec 28, 2014
If the acting tandem of Redmayne and Jones is the film’s irresistible force, then the fading presentation of the story of The Theory of Everything is the immovable object that that force has the unfortunate circumstance to meet. I don’t knowIf the acting tandem of Redmayne and Jones is the film’s irresistible force, then the fading presentation of the story of The Theory of Everything is the immovable object that that force has the unfortunate circumstance to meet. I don’t know the outcome of a meeting like that in the realm of physics, but in the realm of film, it isn’t pretty. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
aaronbartuskaJan 12, 2015
Redmayne and Jones, two of the best young actors working today, give admirable performances. However, that is about the only compliment I can give this film. It doesn't do the story of Hawking justice and feels sort of lazy as a result.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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6
DukeJonFeb 28, 2016
This film could have been so much more. Instead we get a surprisingly uninvolving story with little chemistry between the actors. Hawking's work isn't stressed strongly enough so I found that he came across to be quite unlikeable. MaxineThis film could have been so much more. Instead we get a surprisingly uninvolving story with little chemistry between the actors. Hawking's work isn't stressed strongly enough so I found that he came across to be quite unlikeable. Maxine Peake the nurse is too attractive for the viewer to believe she would be interested in Hawking, they should have cast someone else. We never really get any background on Hawking's children either. A big pile of "meh" Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
EdgarReviewsJun 27, 2015
As far as biopics go, The Theory of Everything is much more entertaining than most. Yet it cannot escape biopic conformities; aside from incongruous cinematography, there is very little to set this flick apart from its competition. ItAs far as biopics go, The Theory of Everything is much more entertaining than most. Yet it cannot escape biopic conformities; aside from incongruous cinematography, there is very little to set this flick apart from its competition. It contains outstanding performances, but so do Mr. Turner and The Imitation Game, 2014’s other critically-acclaimed non-fictional character studies. The Theory of Everthing is worth watching for the performances alone – but the film is only a decent one, with its rather confined plot rendering it unable to excel. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
paulblartmallcoAug 18, 2015
This is a really thrilling documentary about robots taking over the world. It really scared me when the man fell over and became a cyborg. And then he said that god is wrong and we should all worship robot. and then non-robot wife left himThis is a really thrilling documentary about robots taking over the world. It really scared me when the man fell over and became a cyborg. And then he said that god is wrong and we should all worship robot. and then non-robot wife left him which made me sad because i think thats why stevie hawk wanted to kill all humans yeah. Safety never takes a holiday. Always bet on blart xxx Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
softwaredougJan 3, 2016
This film stinks of bad nostalgia. Conflict between Jane and Stephen should be deep in this film. Yet it's dealt with so glibly to be laughably unbelievable. Seriously, I think my wife taking care of two kids at home by herself without aThis film stinks of bad nostalgia. Conflict between Jane and Stephen should be deep in this film. Yet it's dealt with so glibly to be laughably unbelievable. Seriously, I think my wife taking care of two kids at home by herself without a disabled husband demonstrates and communicates more stress than the Jane character does.

Seriously a woman gives up her hopes and dreams to care for a disabled person and his kids Instead, her resentment is rather sugar coated. She rarely speaks up for herself. And she doesn't experience any other kind of mental breakdown. The one time she tries to bring it up to her husband he laughs about it. She doesn't pull over the car and give him a piece of her mind? Or let in bottle up until she snaps?

The most hilarious part of this is when something is "too much" cause it involves 3 kids potentially going camping with their mom in France while dad is at an opera. Seriously? That's what crosses the line? Not, you know EVERYDAY fact of taking care of an extremely disabled man and three kids. WTF.

A more realistic version of this film makes Jane's life appear far more horrifying and isolating. It should have made Stephen's celebrity a source of deep, deep resentment. His inability to agree to simple ways to help her deeply insulting. It should show the despair of the female caregiver, stuck. The unquenchable anger at a man that has all the fun. It should be far more critical of Stephen Hawking and somewhat critical of Jane if she seriously can't seem to communicate her feelings.

On the plus side this film has a tremendous performance by Redmayne. He thoroughly inhabits the image of Stephen Hawking we all are familiar with. I enjoyed the early romance and the chemistry between the leads was great. Having visited Cambridge, the setting was filmed beautifully.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
BroyaxJan 15, 2017
Ce Stephen Hawking est un paradoxe vivant, j'en avais entendu parler de loin, une sorte de génie maudit ! Son histoire personnelle à faire pleurer les ménagères de moins de 50 ans (et le reste) aurait sans doute été maintes fois refusée siCe Stephen Hawking est un paradoxe vivant, j'en avais entendu parler de loin, une sorte de génie maudit ! Son histoire personnelle à faire pleurer les ménagères de moins de 50 ans (et le reste) aurait sans doute été maintes fois refusée si elle avait germé de l'esprit alcoolisé d'un quelconque quidam plus ou moins écrivaillon à ses délires perdus mais la réalité comme de coutume dépasse toujours la fiction.

Les acteurs incarnant à l'écran ce couple hors norme sont tout simplement brillants et d'une justesse étonnante, la mise en scène appliquée, soignée est indéniablement efficace. Puis la musique tout de même nous met la puce à l'oreille (tous ces violons...) et l'ensemble du film, du reste : cette commisération géante, cette communion universelle avec le malheur d'un homme atteint d'une maladie dégénérative incurable... n'est-ce pas un peu trop finalement ?

Des larmes, du courage, et du misérabilisme surtout. Et quelques omissions à propos du prêtre : quel est le point de vue d'Hawking à ce sujet ? le scénariste a préféré l'escamoter, on ne saura pas ce qu'il en pense ni ce qu'il ressent. Ah l'infirme n'était pas au courant ? ou pas encore ? Je note que le scénariste prend toujours soin de ne pas écorner sa femme, la pieuse et glorieuse "Mère Teresa". Une sainte vous dis-je.

La théorie, l'oeuvre du cosmologiste, est trop mise en retrait, faute d'avoir pu "vulgariser" suffisamment des concepts sans doute un peu trop techniques pour la ménagère de moins de 50 ans : on préfère lui faire sortir encore quelques mouchoirs et Dieu sait qu'ils ont fort à faire les mouchoirs pour éponger les hectolitres déversés devant le chemin de croix du génie grabataire.

Cela étant, le film dispose de cette autre qualité : faire connaître cet homme singulier mais surtout donner envie de lire ses bouquins qui ont l'air tout aussi singulier. Au moins par curiosité.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
alvaroarellanoMar 2, 2018
Me sentí siempre ajeno en uno de los personajes que admiro mucho. Me interesó su historia, no me atrapó la forma en que fue contada. Aun así es una película bien hecha. Pero quizá no fue hecha para mí.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MattKingsburyJun 8, 2020
Eddie Redmayne and Charlie Cox both bring incredible performances, and are without doubt the shining light in a film that seems unable to decide what it wants to be: a focus on Stephen Hawking, his work or his relationship, or all of them. ItEddie Redmayne and Charlie Cox both bring incredible performances, and are without doubt the shining light in a film that seems unable to decide what it wants to be: a focus on Stephen Hawking, his work or his relationship, or all of them. It begins to feel drawn out and sadly falls off. I wish to know more about Hawking's work and how it impacted the world of physics, but sadly you will not find that here. Expand
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