What is it with the Brits? Their actors are so good and their storytelling stands head and shoulders above the U.S. in recent years in both movies and TV. The Theory of Everything is a master class on acting and effective moviemaking, all done with no huge stars to speak of. And that's why no American audience will watch it.
The story of The Theory of Everything is simple enough. It is the story of Stephen Hawking (masterfully played by Eddie Redmayne) and how his illness began, how he fell in love with his wife Jane (Felicity Jones, also amazing), their beautiful love affair and eventual sad dissolution of their marriage.
Like the earlier Fault In Our Stars, this is a movie that seems designed to manufacture tears. Hawking is an incredible example of the triumph of the human spirit, but also suffers his share of sadness just like everyone else. The movie was based on Jane Hawking's book My Life With Stephen. What is interesting is how honest the story is. It does not seek out blame, but merely chronicles a fairy tale relationship that eventually crumbles. I was surprised at the candor Jane had when she talks about her infidelity and that try as she might, she did not have the strength to be in a relationship that includes the special needs of Hawking, particularly as he slides deeper into his illness. It does not turn away from the hard truths, but at the same time, celebrates the small triumphs in their relationship. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see them grow apart, because we all are rooting for them. But this is life, not a fairy tale, and things get messy in the real world. Few movies have touched me more than this one.
I had mentioned in my earlier review of Exodus: Gods and Kings that it had a curious lack of intimacy and warmth. It always seemed to be waiting for the next big event. This has been a hallmark of American movies of late, all bluster and no substance. The Theory of Everything is the exact opposite. Redmayne and Jones have amazing chemistry together which translates to incredible intimacy in their performances with each other. It feels as if we are intruding in their most private moments, many of which are absolutely heartbreaking. You almost feel ashamed to be in the same room with them, as if you are invading their privacy. It is this intimacy that drew me into the story, I got emotionally involved and invested. It is a testament to how good British actors can be next to their more bombastic American cousins. American actors strive for The Method, to be so immersed in the role that you don't know where the actor ends and the character begins. Good British actors, by contrast, usually act within a smaller range of emotions, but with greater emphasis on nuance, which comes off more believably. I don't know if this has to do with the reserve of British society, but those small performances tend to be more professional and effective than the loudest Al Pacino moment. This was a bravura performance all around.
Finally, I am making an Oscar prediction. I think Redmayne will receive the Oscar nod for this amazing physical and emotional performance. He transforms into Hawking, and it is absolutely breathtaking. This is the type of acting the Academy should be celebrating and rewarding.
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