FILM REVIEW: 'The Theory of Everything'

Imagine living a life in which your mind is the only properly functioning part of your body. That is theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking's world. Go a step further and envision an actor able to portray that person so remarkably it evokes Hawking, himself, to observe, "I felt like I was watching myself."

That incredible actor is Eddie Redmayne and the film is "The Theory of Everything." At age 21, while attending Cambridge University, Hawking was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (aka ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease). The horrible revelation is accompanied by the fact that he, most likely, has only two years to live. The good news is that the woman he's in love with, Jane (Felicity Jones), wants to marry and care for him. In 1965 they wed and, eventually, had three children.

This is not a story about love conquering all but rather one about deep respect, commitment and undying affection. As Hawking's health deteriorates, Redmayne brilliantly captures the stages it takes. His physical transformation is astounding, from cane to wheelchair to voice synthesizing. And all is done with such grace, dignity and even humor that it's mind boggling to behold.

As Redmayne ("Les Miserables") totally inhabits Hawking's mind and body, director James Marsh makes it all look fantastic. The sweeping cinematography is beautifully illuminated and attention to detail is beyond impressive. Marsh won an Oscar (2008) for his documentary, "Man on Wire," employing gorgeous camerawork which, again, serves him well in "The Theory of Everything."

But it's Redmayne's astonishing performance that elevates this film to masterpiece status. He actually spent time with people afflicted with ALS (40 in all) and had a dancer who helped him with contorting his body, accordingly. Redmayne also met with Stephen Hawking once prior to shooting. His obsessive desire to honestly portray this man's genius and determination with such precision stands as an honor to Dr. Hawking.

"The Theory of Everything" is based on Jane Wilde's book, "Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen." And to this day, the renown physicist is still working hard at the age of 72. One cannot help but wonder but not for Jane's devotion would the outcome have been vastly different?