The Theory of Everything

First Hit: Extremely well-acted and a very engaging story.

Stephen Hawking (played here by Eddie Redmayne) is a brilliant man. His way of viewing our world is ever changing because he continues to open his mind to concepts while having the tenacity to prove things mathematically. Sharing with us, his thoughts through a body that has basically shut down is a story of perseverance and unending support and love from his wife Jane (Felicity Jones).

The film follows the story of Hawking meeting Jane, his learning that he has a motor neuron disease which will slowly disable his physical movement, how Jane’s support allowed him to continue, flourish in the science community, and finally through the end of Jane and Stephen’s marriage and their continued support each other past their divorce.

This film is beautifully shot as the scenes in the house show both havoc and love - amazing.

Redmayne gives an Oscar nomination worthy performance – enough said. Jones is fantastic. I thought she was equally the heart and soul of this film. David Thewlis as Dennis Sciama was great and embodied the man who helped Steven grow and explore his inner universe. Anthony McCarten wrote an excellent screen play from Jane Hawking’s own book “Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen”. James Marsh did a fantastic job of giving us a view into this great man’s life. He did an even better job of giving us a view of how Jane was the base that empowered Stephen.

Overall: This was a wonderful film to watch.

Man On Wire

First Hit: An incredible story about a bold, interesting, risk taking man who performed an amazing feat.

I recall seeing pictures on television and in the newspaper about Philippe Petit’s incredible tightrope walk between the World Trade Center (WTC) towers in 1974.

This film lays the groundwork about how he got the idea (sitting in a dentist’s office waiting room) to the actual execution and the living of the dream.

During the ride, viewers learn a lot about Philippe, his girlfriend Annie Allix, his long time French friends, and the motley crew of people thrown together to assist him on this adventure. There is actual footage of Philippe walking between the spires of Notre Dame Cathedral, Sydney Harbor Bridge, and photos of the WTC walk.

Also there are funny and interesting reenactments of events along with current interviews of the team. The end result was a life changing event for many of these people especially Philippe, Annie and his best friend Jean-Louis.

One of the added benefits of this film was the archival film about the building of the WTC which, after their destruction in 2001, provides a different set of memories.

Seeing Philippe break into an open smile while walking on the wire between the towers one “gets” he is where he is supposed to be, living his dream.

James Marsh directed this wonderful film with curious sensitivity. And the open interviews with Philippe and the team only add to this amazing event and man.

Overall: This was a funny, interesting, and insightful film to an amazing man doing some amazing things.