The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything is the extraordinary and uplifting story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, and of two people defying the steepest of odds through love. The film, based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Jane Hawking, is directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh (Man on Wire). The score for The Theory of Everything is by Icelandic Composer Jóhann Jóhannsson who has composed music for many films including his recent work scoring director Denis Villeneuvue’s film Prisoners and Josh C. Waller’s McCanick. Jóhannsson’s in­tricate compositions provide a stunning backdrop to the romantic drama about Stephen and Jane Hawking, portrayed in the film by Eddie Redmayne (Les Misérables) and Felicity Jones (The Amazing Spider-Man 2). Jóhann has released several solo albums on the labels 4AD and Touch and is equally at home writing commissioned works for contemporary ensembles such as Bang On A Can and Theatre of Voices as he is collaborating with artists like Barry Adamson; Finnish electro band Pan Sonic, Marc Almond, The Hafler Trio, the nom de musique of English avant garde composer Andrew M. McKenzie, CAN drummer Jaki Liebezeit and Stephen O’Malley of the drone metal band Sunn O))). 180 gram audiophile vinyl gatefold sleeve first pressing of 1000 numbered copies on transparent vinyl Review Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson's e­legant score for the 2014 Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything relies heavily on stirring, lightly minimalist elements and a simple four-note ostinato that is developed and deconstructed at various points throughout the soundtrack. The film, directed by James Marsh, follows Hawking from his days as a healthy and promising young Oxford undergrad to the disabled theoretical physics genius who was forced to communicate through a computer. It's an inspirational tale of overcoming physical adversity through determination and fierce intellect, and Jóhannsson reflects this internal universe with a smart and largely uplifting orchestral score. Hawking's courtship and marriage to wife Jane are at the center of the film and their dedication to one another is reflected here in several wistful, romantic themes punctuated by darker, more haunted elements. Often known for blending icy minimalism with textural electronics, Jóhannsson's work here is far more sentimental, telling the story of Hawking's humanity rather than his science. Timothy Monger – Allmusic.com