kevin w
The Brits have a knack for making an inherently dull story interesting and prove it yet again with this BBC docudrama about the events leading to the world's discovery of that wacky Albert Einstein and his general theory of relativity. "What?! A scientist solved an equation?" Let's face it, most usually the whole world yawns. The approach taken here is to not look too hard at the numbers, the science, but to concentrate instead on the formative relationships the respective scientists were involved in while discovering their discoveries. Concentrate on the history, not the science. And indeed, the history does make for an engaging story.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Dramatizing science is hard. Eureka moments can be exciting, but only if you know what they mean. Since most of us can't follow relativistic mathematics, this means that complicated theories need to be simplified to an elementary level and then clarified via simple metaphor. Like an infant learning to read by using a picture book. While the audience wouldn't understand real explanations of these theories they're not quite stupid enough to miss just how dumbed down it all is. Which means that we get some very smart people explaining what to them are basic concepts every time they discover something new. It feels false.
This film can't avoid falling into that trap. They try to counter the problem by having their leads explain their theories to laymen, but this requires a lot of maneuvering and this often feels as forced as the alternative. Einstein's a particular problem since his two main companions are his wife (also a mathematician) and Max Planck (he of the Planck constant). In other words, there's no need to talk down to them. The film confronts this by having him explain what he's doing to his sons, but as they're gone for most of the film it's a flawed solution. Eddington's a bit easier as he lives with his sister, who he'd naturally be expected to discuss his work with. Of course, she should still know more than your average layman and not need every obvious conclusion hammered home, but it does work better than Einstein.
Fortunately, aside from the science dramatization the film is pretty good. WW1 provides an ever-intriguing background and there are some wonderful shots of wartime Cambridge and Berlin. The performances are excellent. Andy Serkis (always nice to actually see his face) absolutely owns the direct and somewhat eccentric Einstein, while David Tenant assumes the harder task of making the fairly staid Eddington interesting. Curiously, while Einstein's the more entertaining character Eddington's the one the plot revolves around and who has the more interesting arc. Essentially, Einstein's already done his bit and the plot is Eddington figuring out a way to test it. Eddington also has some personal struggles as a devout Quaker and closeted homosexual. The plot's nothing special, filled with the basic twists and turns you expect, but watching these two characters live their separate lives is entertaining enough to make it worth a watch.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/22/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Overly dramatic, but I really liked the portrayal of Einstein by Andy Serkis.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/24/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This is a lovely movie, beautifully acted. It's a history lesson, a science lesson, but even more, two love stories. Something the Doctor (David Tennant) did in his spare time, joined by Andy Serkis, who only acted the part of Golum. Serkis plays a very exciting and human Einstein, and Tennant plays the British scientist who became interested in Einstein's theory before it was well known, and who fought for its recognition. He even helped to prove it, by using a solar eclipse.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/10/23
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Audience Member
A BBC/HBO film, this one is on a very high level. Good production values and acting, the script is OK as well, however it's a serious movie about an obscure subject to most people. If you like things heady and historical, this might be your cup of tea. World War I, London and Berlin academics and politics all collide with a twist of romance to make a film most audiences liked. Horses for courses.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/23/23
Full Review
Audience Member
an excellent treatment of a forgotten man
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/14/23
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