It is a huge responsibility to play a living legend on the big screen specially if you are playing a physicist like Stephen Hawking whose work and life has been widely discussed over the years. But actor Eddie Redmayne plays the scientist to almost perfection in the beautiful 'Theory Of Everything' making it one of the most memorable performances this year.
Redmayne plays Hawking from the time he was a fellow at Cambridge and how the rare motor neuron disease degenerates him physically and how he battles the disease with his will and determination to become one of the greatest scientists of modern times.
Redmayne makes Hawking an uncanny hero in the film which depicts his life from his Cambridge days till he is awarded the Knighthood by the Queen. The film is based on Hawking's first wife Jane Wilde's book on the couple's life together and while I do feel the narrative is rather one sided- giving only Wilde's point of view, Redmayne's endearing performance remains with you much after the movie is over.
Redmayne, I hear, is one of the strongest contenders this year for Best Actor award at the Oscars and he rightfully deserves it so. Because to play such a role is never easy and often actors go overboard trying to depict physical disabilities. But Redmayne stands out in almost every scene. The slow change in his walk, his mannerisms as the disease gets the better of him over the years is so brilliantly depicted that you cannot help but smile through your tears in certain scenes.
One of the other strong contenders for the Best Actor award this year at the Oscars is fellow British actor and almost a sensation of sorts for his role in 'Sherlock'- Benedict Cumnerbatch. Cumberbatch brings with him a certain amount sophistication as he plays mathematician Alan Turing in 'The Imitation Game'. Playing the genius mathematician who worked with British Army during the world war and help in breaking cryptic code of Nazi Germany, Cumberbatch delivers an ace performance. Turing is an mad genius and is arrogant and Cumberbatch gets the nuances of his character absolutely perfectly.
Both Redmayne and Cumberbatch approach their respective characters in a very honest manner, giving very solid, uninhabited performances in the two biopics. While Cumberbatch's Turing has to struggle for social acceptance due to his sexual orientation, Redmayne's Hawking has to fight a rare disease which is slowly killing him. Each character has to fight the odds and both the talented actors deliver soul stirring performances. But while Cumberbatch aces in his role as Alan Turing, Redmayne's performances and specially that trademark Hawking smile leaves a lasting impression on the viewers mind.Both the British actors are talented in their own right, but in the race for the top spot, Redmayne's performance is far superior- simply because of the difficult role that he has to play.Redmayne changes his walk, his mannerism with each scene as the disease slowly spreads more and more withing Hawkings body- paralyzing him completely.
Redmayne has already picked up quite a few awards for his role this awards season and now all eyes are on who will bag the prestigious golden statute on February 22. Will Redmayne be able to clinch this one as well? Or will close contender Cumberbatch win this one? Or will Bradley Cooper or Michael Keaton upset the predictions by clinching this year's Best Actor trophy? Guess, we have no other option but to wait and watch.
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