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 That man, British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, is one of
the most recognizable figures in the world and landing the role
in the film "The Theory of Everything" gave Redmayne "a moment
of euphoria followed by a moment of deep fear."
Redmayne, a 32-year-old Londoner, says he went "old-school" in
his preparation and spent months with the choreographer at
clinics with patients of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He took photos of a young
Hawking to an expert to study the stages of his decline over 25
years, including the loss of his voice.
"I spent six to seven months working with this dancer to embed
it my body," Redmayne told Reuters over the weekend ahead of the
film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival
Sunday.
By the time shooting started, Redmayne's goal was to have the
physical part down so well that he could concentrate just on the
emotions.
It looks like he pulled it off, judging by Hawking's critique.
"He gave Eddie the enormous compliment of saying 'I thought it
was me on screen,'" said director James Marsh. "That tells you a
lot about Eddie's performance. It passed the biggest test."
Variety critic Justin Chang said "Redmayne's performance nails
all the outward manifestations without unnecessary
exaggeration," and predicted the Focus Features film would fare
well critically and commercially when it opens in North America
on Nov. 7.
'GOOD OR OTHERWISE'
Hawking, now 72, gave his blessing to the film, even though it
is based on the memoir of first wife, Jane Hawking, who married
the young genius when he was given two years to live.
She cared for him and three kids over two decades and supported
him in his high-flying career, including the writing of his book
"A Brief History of Time" for non-scientists to understand the
universe. It has sold over 10 million copies.
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"It is an unconventional love story," said Redmayne. "It is about
young love, passionate love, family love, love of his subject. But
it is also about the flaws and cracks in relationships."
Jane is played by British actress Felicity Jones over the 25 years
of the film, from when she meets the gangly and fun-loving student
at Cambridge to when he leaves her for another woman.
"People did underestimate Jane and her sheer determination and life
force," said Jones. "Even though she was young, she had a very
strong sense of herself."
The break-up scene may be one of the film's most memorable as a
brilliant man struggles to communicate the end with a computerized
voice lacking in musicality and a wheelchair that can only get so
close.
"Even though Stephen is breaking up with Jane, there is a moment
when all he can do to comfort her is push his wheelchair to nudge
the back of her legs," said Redmayne.
Redmayne went to see Hawking right before he went to the screening
of the film.
"I said 'Stephen, I am very nervous, I hope you enjoy the film, let
me know what you think'," Redmayne recounted. "He spent awhile
typing out 'I'll let you know what I think, good or otherwise.' I
said 'Stephen, if it's otherwise, will you just say 'otherwise'?'"
"Fortunately, after the film, he gave us the right to use his
(synthesized) voice. We hear his voice and its an iconic voice."
(Editing by Sandra Maler)
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