The Theory of Everything

[sammason]

Have you watched The Theory of Everything yet? It took me a while to watch this biopic about the great physicist Stephen Hawking because he's a role model for me.

Comments

[nightshade1972]

I noticed right away that the story was told from Jane's POV. I thought that was rather odd, until I saw the credit at the end which said the movie was based on her book. I thought the whole film had a very "Oh, poor me (Jane)" feel to it--she'd anticipated having a life with a famous physicist, and instead she ends up with a crip. So of course she's going to have an affair with (and ultimately end up marrying) the handsome, able-bodied guy!

I'm not really surprised that Dr. Hawking had an affair with (and she did become Mrs. Hawking #2) his nurse, even by Jane's telling of the story, the nurse seemed to be more willing to overlook Dr. Hawking's physical shortcomings than Jane was.

[sammason]

According to the film, and to an interview I saw on telly, Stephen asked Jane to leave after his diagnosis. But she wouldn't leave.

In the interview, she didn't mention having an affair with Jonathan the choirmaster to whom she's now married. But it's there in the film as you know. In the interview she described ending the marriage because her home had become full of nurses, so that it wasn't homely any more.

I think the interview with Prof Hawking that I saw or read may have been in the same documentary as the one in which I saw/read Jane's description. Wherever I saw/read Prof Hawking, he said that there'd been rumours of his 2nd wife (Elaine the nurse?) having been physically abusive, but that those rumours had been untrue. He has a 3rd wife now I think.

I hope that if I'm wrong about any of this, others in this comm will correct me.

[dark_phoenix54]

I need to watch that. I think the man is fascinating; such a genius, a good writer (even I could understand 'Brief History'), and a survivor of ALS for so long. And he has a sense of humor! I would like to see a movie from his POV, too, though.

[sammason]

So would I. Otoh I honour his choice not to be merely cripspirational.

[dark_phoenix54]

Well, yes. While he is cripspirational (the working memory that he must have must be HUGE to work through formulas and theories without being able to write stuff down), that, to me, isn't the biggest part of him. It's his math/physics abilities that amaze me. I still have hopes that he'll manage the theory of everything before he dies- if, indeed, there is a theory of everything.

[sammason]

I wonder whether he's been asked to become Patron of any pressure group or charity. If so, I'd be interested in his response. Otoh he's probably too busy doing Physics!

[sammason]

This is part of why I name him as my role model. Wouldn't be having this conversation with you without the Internet.

Another part of my personal story is that, a few years ago, I shared a lift at work with some people I knew slightly. One called my use of my wheelchair 'the Hawking effect.' That's one of the best comments I've had since my disability became so visible.

[dimity_blue]

I haven't watched The Theory of Everything. I watched the trailer for Hawking (made about 10 years or so ago) and found that very difficult to watch. I've bought the DVD of Hawking but still haven't managed to watch it. I suspect that is far more about Stephen Hawking's life than The Theory of Everything seems to be.

[sammason]

Until you mentioned Hawking I didn't know that film existed. Thank you for the info. Like you I'll find it hard to watch but I want to do so, when I feel ready.