Einstein and Eddington

About Einstein and Eddington

Einstein and Eddington, a British single drama film that premiered on BBC Two on 22nd November 2008, is a captivating retelling of how the British scientist Arthur Eddington confirmed the groundbreaking theories of Albert Einstein. A storyline set against the backdrop of the First World War, it masterfully focuses on how these two scientists, separated by war, were brought together in their pursuit of understanding the universe.

Making / Production

Produced by the BBC in association with HBO Films, Einstein and Eddington have been shot on location in Cambridge and Croatia. Directed by Philip Martin and written by Peter Moffat, the movie beautifully captures the era and the struggle of two genius minds working in dire circumstances.

Actors

• David Tennant as Arthur Eddington: He brings Eddington to life, splendidly presenting him as a committed Quaker, a scientist, and the scholar who went on to confirm Einstein's general theory of relativity.
• Andy Serkis as Albert Einstein: Renowned for his transformative performances, Serkis embodies Einstein with a perfect amalgamation of genius, wit, and complexity.
• Jim Broadbent as Sir Oliver Lodge: Broadbent plays the determined Lodger who debates with Eddington on the nature of the Universe.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's depiction of the 1919 total solar eclipse, which was crucial for Eddington's observations, was recorded in Príncipe, not Sobral as presented in the film. The inconsistency was attributed for plot compression.
• It was the first television portrayal of Albert Einstein in his adult years.
• David Tennant, who plays Eddington, is a Star Trek fan and used this role to mirror the character of Data discovering humanity.

Quotes

• "What it does prove... is that you can't trust a German." - Frank Dyson
• "The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite error." - Albert Einstein
• "Every great discovery I ever made, I gambled that the truth was there, and then I acted in faith until I could prove its existence." - Arthur Eddington

Music, Soundtrack

• The score for Einstein and Eddington is composed by Nicholas Hooper, who also worked on five out of eight of the Harry Potter movies.
• The original soundtrack has not been released separately but it beautifully engages with the narrative and provides emotive underlining to the theme.