Movie profile

Man Alive: Stephen Hawking's Universe

Shot in 1984 for the CBC "Man Alive" series, this is a portrait of the great physicist at home in Cambridge. It explores the ideas about to be presented in his popular book, "A Brief History of Time", and includes a lively discussion between Hawking and two of the leading lights of String Theory. Much of the film is about Hawking and his family and their poignant relationships, set against the background of Cambridge and a musical score of Stephen's favorite Wagnerian opera.

Directed by David Cherniack