Hawking

Hawking is a 2013 British documentary film that offers an intimate, candid, and enthralling glimpse into the life of one of the world's most admired and accomplished physicists, Professor Stephen Hawking. The documentary presents a highlight reel of Hawking’s monumental life, his scientific achievements, and his battle with motor neuron disease. Including interviews, archival footage, and Hawking’s own unique narration, director Stephen Finnigan skillfully paints a picture of the renowned scientist's remarkable existence.

The film is premised on Professor Stephen Hawking's unique quest to explain the fundamental workings of the universe, from the enormity of the cosmos to the subatomic level, utilizing his own scientific pioneering work, especially his theorems regarding time, black holes, and the origins of the universe. In presenting how the universe operates, based on Hawking's theories, the film offers the viewer a journey illustrating the magnificence of our universe, including detailed graphics and animation of scientific principles that captures the viewer's imagination.

However, Hawking is not strictly a scientific documentary. It is first and foremost a portrayal of the man himself, undeniably etching out the human element and the sheer resilience that exists behind the brilliant mind. Notably, in a first-time occurrence ever, Hawking narrates his own life story, an approach which contributes a poignant and personal feel to the movie. His computer-generated voiceover adds to the movie's striking sincerity.

Through compelling interviews with close family members, friends and colleagues, like his sister Mary Hawking, his first wife Jane Hawking, friends and fellow scientists, the film lends profound insights into Hawking's life, his childhood, his student life at Oxford and later at Cambridge, and his groundbreaking scientific research. On-screen contributions from these individuals give the audience an understanding not only of Hawkin’s scientific contributions but personal triumphs and struggles as well.

One of the most compelling aspects of Hawking is its insider perspective on the physicist's lifelong battle with motor neuron disease, diagnosed when he was just 21. Predicted to have only a couple of years to live, Hawking's tenacious fight against the overwhelming odds is both inspirational and moving. Finnigan brilliantly juxtaposes Hawking's physical constraints with his free-roaming intellect, showing him in his day-to-day activities, including lectures, meetings with colleagues, and personal interactions. The film openly discusses the disease's effects, As Hawking's body progressively lost functionality, his determination and indefatigable spirit remained absolutely unbroken, further underlining his extraordinary courage and resilience.

While the documentary doesn’t shy away from detailing his complex relations, shifting roles of care, and personal hardship throughout his life, the movie also features lighter, more impressible moments showcasing his humor, playfulness, and zest for life. We follow Hawking’s appearance on Star Trek, interaction with the pop culture phenomenon The Big Bang Theory and even a zero-gravity flight. The documentary candidly portrays everything, the public persona, the private man, the great scientist and playful personality behind it all.

Beyond the triumph over his physical constraints and his contributions to science, Hawking also presents compelling insights into his philosophical views about life, the universe, and everything therein. Throughout the narrative, viewers cannot help but marvel at his determination to 'know the mind of God' by completely understanding the universe's workings. Ultimately, Hawking culminates in a narrative of hope, providing an inspiring testament to the unquenchable spirit of human resilience and curiosity, the endless pursuit of knowledge, and the conviction that life, no matter the circumstances, is always worth living.

Featuring Stephen Hawking, Arthur Pelling, and Finlay Macrae, the 2013 documentary is a pioneering exploration of both scientific and human thresholds. Hawking, in roughly 90 minutes, delivers a thoroughly moving and insightful look into a truly remarkable life, pushing viewers to appreciate the universe's beauty and complexity - both within us and beyond. An intimate portrayal of courage and immense perseverance, this poignant documentary is sure to leave audiences inquisitive, moved and inspired.