The Theory of Everything

Jess, Ashley, Jude and I watched The Theory of Everything this past week.  It's nice to be able to sit down with family and watch a good movie, one that inspires interest in characters and questions about the specific events portrayed within.  I had preconceived notions about this film, knowing something of the story already and assuming that it would be very favorable towards its main character.  The film is about Stephen Hawking, the gifted physicist who has long suffered from motor neurone disease.  Hawking has been a leader in modern Cosmology, hypothesizing "that the universe has no edge or boundary in imaginary time. This would imply that the way the universe began was completely determined by the laws of science" (hawking.org.uk). The Theory of Everything is about three different struggles that go on simultaneously in Hawking's life; his illness, his scientific research, and his relationship with his wife.  It is tragic that he can never triumph in any of these struggles without it negatively affecting the others.  When he finally finds someone who can help him overcome his physical limitations, he abandons his wife for her.  I am simplifying the film of course; it is quite thoughtful in its portrayal of Hawking, and the people in his life who care for him.  I was surprised by his wife's commitment to her belief in God, even when her husband seemed intent on disproving God's existence, she didn't seem concerned.  What is interesting is that work done by Hawking and his counterparts in the scientific community is quite often amazing; only their preconceptions keep them from the truth.  Towards the end of the film Hawking is giving a lecture, and encourages the audience by telling them that even though they are insignificant little specs in an immense universe, there's something very special about each person.  In one of the next movies I review, Selma, one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s friends reminds him that if God cares about the birds "Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26).  Isn't it interesting that Stephen Hawking intellectually came to the same conclusion, unfortunately he just doesn't believe it.