By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The Theory of Everything opens with young Hawking (Eddie Redmayne), who is attending the Cambridge University graduate school with a major in astrophysics. He meets and courts Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones), a literature student. While there is a theoretical clash between these two individuals, a mutual respect develops. When Hawking makes a big theoretical breakthrough, his body begins to deteriorate.

Hawking is diagnosed with a motor neuron disease [ALS] and is given two years to live. As the two years pass, Hawking marries Jane, has children and becomes an international sensation with his theories about space, time and dimension. We witness the last time Hawking walks and when he holds his child.

Based on Jane Wilde-Hawking’s autobiography, The Theory of Everything presents the hardships of a family dealing with a special needs individual. We witness parents attempt to live a “normal life” for the sake of the children. Despite this bond, the call of academic spotlight provides the tipping point for the Hawking marriage.

Redmayne’s Hawking transitions from a geeky and energetic young man to an infirmed old man shackled to a wheelchair. The one constant theme of the performance is Hawking’s core spirit and humor.

Much like the X-Men and Dolphin Tale movies, I’ve witnessed more people in wheelchairs attending screenings of this film. At the 2013 Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, one of the best films was titled CinemaAbility, a documentary about how Hollywood treats people with disabilities. Walter White’s son in TV’s Breaking Bad, actor RJ Mitte shared stories about being a working actor who actually has cerebral palsy. Mitte will be in town next weekend to talk about his career at the Shock Pop ComicCon. www.shockpopcomiccon.com/media-guests.html.