Hawking (2004) (TV)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Philip Martin

Writer:

Peter Moffat (writer)

Release Date:

13 April 2004 (UK)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

The story of the search for the beginning of time.

Plot Keywords:

Genius | Illness | Handicapped | Physics

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch	...	Stephen Hawking
Michael Brandon	...	Arno Penzias
Tom Hodgkins	...	Bob Wilson
Lisa Dillon	...	Jane Wilde
Phoebe Nicholls	...	Isobel Hawking
Adam Godley	...	Frank Hawking
Peter Firth	...	Sir Fred Hoyle
Tom Ward	...	Roger Penrose
John Sessions	...	Dennis Sciama
Rohan Siva	...	Jayant Narlikar
Matthew Marsh	...	Dr. John Holloway
Anastasia Hille	...	Nurse Susan McClean
Bertie Carvel	...	George Ellis
Christian Rubeck	...	Interviewer / Reporter (as Christian Pedersen)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Sebastian Armesto	...	Robert Silkin
Charlie Beall	...	Hugh
Che Cartwright	...	Guildenstern
Rory Copus	...	Edgar
Deirdre Costello	...	Barmaid
Alice Eve	...	Martha Guthrie
Carolina Giammetta	...	Lidia Sciama
Jeanie Gold	...	Fur Lady
Anthony Howell	...	Hamlet
Philip McGinley	...	Chris
David McKail	...	Frink
Leon Ockenden	...	Rosencrantz
Daniel Pape	...	TV Producer
Linda Spurrier	...	Train Passenger
James Warrior	...	Cab Driver
Mark Wells	...	Cyclist #1

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:TV-G | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Quotes:

Stephen Hawking: We are very very small. But we are profoundly capable of very very big things.

Tough but rewarding viewing.

This drama concerns the early days in the life of Professor Stephen Hawkings. It tells the story of how he battles against MND and the mind set of famous Astronomer Fred Hoyles. It also tells of his relationship with soon to be first wife Jane and of the help given to him by Roger Penrose. Intersected within the story are snippets of Nobel prize winners Arno Penzias and Bob Wilson who's discovery of background radiation gave Stephen the "fossil" he would need to back up his theory.

Well written with good performances from the principle characters and set amongst the beautiful background of Cambridge Hawking is a surprisingly enjoyable hour and half.Although viewers not familiar with Hawkings or his work may find parts of the story a bit dull or confusing at times, ultimately it's an inspirational story (even with the artistic liberties) and a first class piece of drama.