Trailer Link

Release Date:

November 7, 2014

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife.”

Poster: C- / B-

Review: (#1) While the poster does set up the romance between Stephen Hawking and his future wife, it’s also incredibly boring and the mathematical and scientific notations lazily strewn about the design are overbearing and simplistic.

(#2) The first poster seemed too professorial. This seems more romantic, though the excessive use of mathematical and scientific notations may be in character, but it’s a tad distracting. The late-twilight setting helps mute that effect.

Trailer: B / B+

Review: (#1) While the trailer presents itself in a fairly broad, predictable manner evocative of many biopics, it hints strongly at a performance by Eddie Redmayne that could bolster an otherwise commonplace film.

(#2) Changing tacks, the new trailer focuses heavily on the romantic relationship between physically deteriorating scientist and compassionate paramour. This may help shift the film from an Oscar-friendly, intellectual-targeted audience to a broader, mass-appeal audience. That could even bolster its Oscar chances if it becomes a hit. Think A Beautiful Mind.

Oscar Prospects:

Apart from being an inspirational story about the life of one of the world’s most brilliant scientists, the film features what looks to be a painful and revelatory performance by Eddie Redmayne. Even if the film receives middling praise, Redmayne is sure to be an Oscar contender for Best Actor. If the Oscar-winning director of documentary Man on Wire does better than his previous two works, it could be a bigger contender than that.

Revisions:

(August 24, 2014) Original
(October 19, 2014) New Trailer (#2) / New Poster (#2)