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Rating: Not Rated.
Film Companies: Blue Yonder Pictures, ChristianCinema.Com.
Cast: David de Vos, Victor Lundin (Beau Geste), Frances Black,
Mary Jo DuPrey, Janna Savatchee, Amanda Grace de Vos, Abby Joy de Vos, Cheridah
Best, Stanley B. Herman, Andrew Koenig, Sebastian Kunnappilly, Brandis Kemp, Harry
Karp, John Gilbert, Teres Byrne.
Crew: David de Vos (Director, Editor, Screenwriter, Producer),
Stehanie de Vos (Producer), David McFadzean (Executive Producer), Terence Pratt
(Director of Photography), Noelle Charles (Production Designer), Matthew T. Welch
(Art Designer), Brian Mann (Music), Dezin Productions (Casting),
Stevan Del George, Isa A. Alsup (Visual Effects Supervisors), Jeff Learned (Editor), Greg Sidnam
(Assistant Director), Darren Moorman (Second Assistant Director).
Synopsis: A man spends his entire life scientifically attempting
to understand the mind of God but when a degenerative mental disorder hits him in
his old age, things must change.
Theatrical Release: None.
DVD Release: Current.
Bibliography:
http://www.victorlundin.com/
Review:
The Theory of Everything is one of those films that has
the nebulous of a good thing but fails to take full advantage of it. The Theory
of Everything is built on a modern day controversy in scientific circles over a
theory known as string theory which offers solutions to some of today's most challenging
scientific issues - if its true.
In this film Victor Lundin plays an eccentric scientist who
has been studying string theory for years in hope of finding one overlying principle
that would not only unify scientific principles but also lead him to God. He does
not have faith - things must be proven, so while his wife has long ago died believing
in God he feels caught in some sort of purgatory, searching for proof that his wife
was right, so that he can "believe" and join her when he dies.
David de Vos, who leads in the film while also serving as Director
Editor, Screenwriter, and Producer, pays Victor Lundin's estranged son. Lundin abandoned
David at birth but now needs David's help to finish his work. Lundin is suffering
from a degenerative mental disease and the authorities are getting ready to put
him under supervised custody for his own protection, unless he can get someone to
take responsibility for him.
David is conflicted in his own right. He has an flight training
school that is about to tank as well as a critical and stressed wife. But he takes
the time to spend time with his real father, hoping at first that there is money
involved.
Throw into the mix a greedy estranged sister who wants to lock
the father away so she can sell of his estate before he dies and you have what could
be a halfway decent story - about science, relationships, and conflict.
With that synopsis said, let me summarize the good points of
the film. First, the unique storyline is a good thing. Its not just another end
time thriller, rather it brings a unique storyline about science and familial relationships.
Secondly, the film tries. It tries hard. The acting is okay
most of the time, though occasionally it fails miserably. Still, you can tell that
while the cast weren't professionals, they managed to do a good job.
Third...Well, I'm afraid my words for this film are mainly
critical. I hate being critical. But the storyline while good in nebulous is fleshed
out in a poor way. Especially in regards to the scientific elements. There isn't,
in my opinion, an attempt to help the viewers understand what Lundin is saying,
rather we are expected not to. The short clips of him in mid-sentence, half-completing
a thought leaves one without hope of understanding string theory or the idea of
everything if one is not already familiar with the concepts.
Finally, while the acting is just okay, the production quality
is B'ish, one of the biggest complaints would be the confusing actions of the actors.
It is hard to feel particular empathy for any of the characters. They all seem to
be continually making stupid choices. David, who plays the hero of our story,
breaks into a hospital with the aid of his wife and steals out his biological scientist
father - who is near death and somewat dangerous.
So, who should watch The Theory of Everything? No one really.
I hope if de Vos or any of his team read this review they won't think I am angry
or be distraught over the lack of positive notes in the review. I really would like
to see some more excellent productions come out of them in the future, and this
was the first film. Excellence comes with time, money, and dedication.
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