Who is in it?
Eddie “can you hear the people sing?” Redmayne, Felicity Jones and David “will always be Lupin in my eyes” Thewlis
What is it about?
The story of the genius physicist Stephen Hawking, his diagnosis of motor neurone disease and his relationship with his ex-wife, Jane. The film is an adaptation of her memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.
Why did I want to watch it?
I am always drawn to biopics and having recently seen and loved The Imitation Game, I wanted to once again, hear a relatively unknown story of someone extraordinary.
Did I like it?
I thought it was excellent! I had expected to cry and the film delivered on that level. Am I the only person who goes to the cinema wanting to cry? I heard that Stephen Hawking had an almost unrivalled sense of humour, but I hadn’t expected to laugh so much either! A very uplifting film which was very welcome in the post-Christmas gloom.
Should you watch it?
Yes, if you enjoy hearing remarkable stories. Don’t be put off though, by the “science bit” – certainly too much for an ex-Arts student like me! The period parts set at Cambridge are lovely and good viewing for anyone who wishes they could keep on learning and revisit campus days!
Does it pass the Bechdel Test? http://bechdeltest.com/
Once again, no. Although, I forgive Jane, she is after all, remaining strong against remarkable odds.
Watch this instead/as well/before/after:
Eddie Redmayne has thus far gone under my radar – he was ok in Les Mis, but his performance as Hawking was moving. Felicity Jones was divine! I shall now be looking at her filmography and maybe looking up The Invisible Woman from 2013 for which she was nominated for a BIFA Best Actress award and from 2011, Like Crazy.
Having said that, this is surely her best performance to date and I await a “Big O” nomination on January 15.
LB
What Have You Done To Deserve This? 