Theory of Everything, The (Working Title 2014, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones)

Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones star as Stephen and Jane Hawking in The Theory of Everything, the drama which details the real-life love story between the world renown scientist and his first wife. Redmayne’s portrayal of the accomplished scientist in this award-winning film gained him the Best Actor Oscar.

Stephen meets fellow student Jane in the 1960s, while studying at Cambridge University. When he is 21 years old the cosmology student discovers he has motor neurone disease, and the doctors tells him that he will probably only live for another two years. Jane marries him despite this and the pair began to make a life with each other, including having three children.

After developing his theories about black holes, Hawking is propelled to fame. As his success increases so does Jane’s dissatisfaction with her own life. She sacrifices her own academic potential to benefit Stephen, and dedicates her life to his achievements.

In an effort to discover her own identity she joins a choir, where she meets choir leader Jonathon. As Stephen’s disease progresses, Jane hires Elaine (Maxine Peake) to care for him. As his disease and fame put pressure on their relationship, Jane and Stephen begin to drift away from each other.

production details
UK / Working Title / 123 minutes / 2014

Director: James Marsh
Screenplay: Anthony McCarten
Book: Jane Hawking

cast
Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking
Felicity Jones as Jane Hawking
Tom Prior as Robert Hawking – Age 17
Sophie Perry as Lucy Hawking – Age 14
Finlay Wright-Stephens as Timothy Hawking – Age 8
Harry Lloyd as Brian
Alice Orr-Ewing as Diana King
David Thewlis as Dennis Sciama
Thomas Morrison as Carter
Michael Marcus as Ellis
Gruffudd Glyn as Rees
Paul Longley as Barman – Rowing Club
Emily Watson as Beryl Wilde
Guy Oliver-Watts as George Wilde
Simon McBurney as Frank Hawking