Neuro Note -- The Theory of Everything

For this assignment I watched “The Theory of Everything” about Stephen Hawking’s life starting with his diagnosis of ALS. I chose to watch this movie because I remember hearing about Stephen Hawking’s speech using the speech-generating device, and I think his life is so interesting. He was told he had two years to live, but he lived for many, many years after his diagnosis.

In the movie, the camera focuses in on the little signs and symptoms that might point towards ALS. First I noticed that Stephen knocks his coffee off of his desk while he’s scrambling to do some homework at the last minute. Next, he has trouble grabbing his pen. Then he stumbles up the stairs on his way to the train. Stephen’s character could appear to just be clumsy and awkward, but having studied the early signs and symptoms of ALS and knowing that Stephen Hawking had ALS, it is clear that these quick scenes are indications of his disease. After Stephen has the devastating fall that takes him into the hospital, Stephen starts noticing the fasciculations in his arm.

The scene that struck me most was the scene when the doctor is giving Stephen his diagnosis. He words everything so poorly with little concern for Stephen’s well-being. He used phrases like “There’s nothing I can do for you” and “wasting away” when explaining what this diagnosis means for Stephen’s quality of life. It is so important for healthcare professionals to treat sensitive topics with care and empathy.

Marsh, J. (Director), Bevan, T., Fellner, E., Bruce, L., & McCarten, A. (Producers), & McCarten, A. (Writer). The Theory of Everything.