As the film faded to black and the credits began to role, I was surprised to learn that the screenplay was an adaptation of Jane Hawking's book (his ex-wife) and their life together. Perhaps that makes sense. One of my surprises with the film was its lack of focus on Hawking's work. Even now, I'm left wondering what he ultimately believed in or what his most notable work was. Even John Nash had a pretty clear explanation of governing dynamics that was audience-friendly. Couldn't they have tried to teach audiences something?
What we are left with is an emotional plot, surprisingly intimate, following Hawking's diagnosis with ALS and their progression through the more difficult years of a marriage burdened by fame, jealousy, and isolation. Initially given 2 years to live, Hawking graduates, achieves a doctorate, gets married, has 3 children... How did he survive all these years, anyways?
We sense Jane's frustrations early on with his disease, and as an audience wonder whether or not she would break her vows with her husband. Indeed, she joins a church choir and begins to act uncomfortably close with Jonathan, her conductor. He essentially becomes Stephen's caretaker, accompanying the family on trips and assisting where possible. I wonder where this could go wrong? It's no secret (spoiler!) that Jane and Stephen were divorced, and that Jane ends up with Jonathan... Truly in the next scene after their separation, Jane and Jonathan embrace after all these years. The music swells. You begin to wonder whose love story was being made.
Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones are reaping critical praise, and for good reason. Even Stephen Hawking himself has praised the performances, famously shedding a tear after a screening of the film. You couldn't buy better publicity. These two seem assured for at least a nomination - but the combination of playing a real-life man with a motor-neuron disorder, perhaps we have already found this year's Best Actor winner. The same could be said for the musical score, lush and full of beauty, I can't see the Oscars ignoring such a clear winner.
While it's not a great film, it is one that is thoroughly enjoyable, and an interesting insight into the life of a person with a disability. The love behind this project is clear, and it is all the more admirable a story for that.
(Awards potential: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Redmayne), Best Actress (Jones), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score)
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