A funny, moving tribute to a great man

I was really pleased when I read that Stephen Hawking had enjoyed the biopic of his life, The Theory of Everything, but then Hawking has the great pleasure of being alive to see his own life in film.

The film is a real emotional rollercoaster which moves through Hawking’s studies at Cambridge University, meeting his future wife Jane, the earth-shattering diagnosis of Motor Neurone disease at just 21 years old, his deterioration as the disease gradually overtakes his muscles, but what shines through above all is his decisive determination not to be held back and, happily, his own wry sense of humour.

Eddie Redmayne’s performance is extraordinary and convincing, portraying the side of Hawking that many may not know, his humour and passion alongside his pain. He is aptly well supported by Felicity Jones as Jane Hawking, whose memoir the film is based upon.

This is a film that everyone must see, not least to be reminded of Hawking’s famous quote “there should be no boundary to human endeavour” and to see him live his own words. His life is an inspiration and I hope that this touching film inspires others not to give up in the face of adversity.

The Theory of Everything is a fantastically moving but ultimately uplifting tribute to a man who has not let his physical restrictions limit the abilities of his mind.

See The Theory of Everything at The Courtyard 14 – 26 February.