Master Of The Universe.
123 Minutes. Starring: Eddie Redmayne & Felicity Jones. Director: James Marsh.
Ready made for acting gold, Redmayne has the ability to ruffle the feathers of Michael Keaton's 'Birdman' and trap the 'Foxcatcher' of Steve Carell. All whilst beating out fellow Brit Benedict Cumberbatch's 'Imitation Game' and 'American Sniper', three, consecutive timed Academy nominated Bradley Cooper for Oscar's 'Best Actor'. Sure in an amazing 2013 that followed last years groundbreaking movie one, the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal ('Nightcrawler'), Brad Pitt ('Fury') and Chadwick Boseman ('Get On Up') have been left robbed, but still what looks on the surface like a five horse race has one clear favourite by a nose. Eddie is just that enthralling in James Marsh's magnificent and exquisite 'The Theory Of Everything', a new British dramatic classic that even the 'Bard would be proud of. The rum lies in Redmayne's inspired and incredible, portrait, perfect performance as Professor Stephen Hawking in this beautiful and brilliant biopic. Felicity Jones is also fantastic as the wife of the physicist coming off a brief performance in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' to show she has the acting goods to show how really great she can be in this bold and bittersweet love story. Still after missing out on the gold when they gave out the Oscars to his 'Les Mis' cast-mates, despite his underrated and unquestionable performance, it's Redmayne's moment now. With taste and tact, this is the terrific signature storytelling that will tack together the Academy envelope that reads his name. Biopics may be the Oscar standard, but Eddie sets a new one with this. Like any true biography you forget you're looking at the actor and not the subject, like Jamie in 'Ray' or of course Chadwick. Going to the physical and mental lengths that show just how mind over matter mastering this marvellous man really is. More than just a respectful and sympathetic performance of a great man with a disability in the public eye that sometimes sees a battle with all too cruel and callous sneers of ridicule, this is a real and raw portrayal of a man that overcame so much to show any physical limitations wouldn't stop his mind and imagination from flying out of this world to new heights. Changing the world as we thought we knew it, in more ways than one as our star in this galaxy does to the acting one. Hawking is the real hero here but in a heartfelt, breaking and warming homage, Redmayne deserves everything he's about to get. More than just in theory. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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