Creation - Movie Review

By Ron Wilkinson Jan 22, 2010, 15:26 GMT

Part ghost story, part psychological thriller, part heart-wrenching love story CREATION is the powerful story of Charles Darwin and the single most explosive idea in history. ...more

A film that keeps us from taking the theory of evolution for granted. Darwin paid for those words

Paul Bettany plays immortal scientist Charles Darwin in Jon Amiel’s dramatic tour-de-force “Creation.” The film is one of many events marking the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s book “On the Origin of the Species – By Means of Natural Selection.” The book and the thought process in it would change the thinking of scientists forever. The book would also begin a pitted battle that wages today between those who believe in divine creation as described in the bible and the biological process described by Darwin.

Bettany played the ship’s doctor who played the cello to Russell Crowe’s fiddle in the classic action thriller “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” (he was also Tom Edison in “Dogville” and Jarvis in the “Iron Man” films). In “Commander” he was the loyal military physician first but his real love was the wonder of nature. He didn’t have to go far to fit the character of Charles Darwin.

Jennifer Connelly plays Emma Darwin the loyal and steadfast wife of the legendary scientist who is also part of his problem coming to grips with his discovery. Connelly is a stirring performer as anybody knows who saw her Oscar / Golden Globe winning performance in “A Beautiful Mind” (her performances in “House of Sand and Fog” and “Requiem for a dream” were just as mesmerizing).

The film is based on Darwin’s great-great-grandson’s book, “Annie’s Box” about the last years Darwin spent putting his thoughts in writing. This was a time of great stress for the pioneering scientist. He knew full well that his work flew in the face of the church and the vast majority of society. Nobody but the most learned scientists would even comprehend what was in it during the lifetime of Charles Darwin. Speaking of lifetimes, people who said anything as remotely as pointed and powerful as what was in the book had been burned at the stake less than a century earlier.

The worst part was that Emma Darwin refused to give up one iota of her belief in the fundamental literal truth of the biblical story of creation. Charles’ most fervent ally and confident was on the verge of leaving him because of his devotion to his life’s work. His most trusted fellow scientists were guilt-tripping him daily about the importance of publishing such great scientific thought while he was on the verge of losing that which meant the most to him. It is little wonder he was going insane while at the same time watching as his once sturdy frame withered to a sickly wreath. As if in sympathy with his misery his beloved daughter Annie slips through his fingers in spite of what should have been the best medical care available at the time.

Produced by Jeremy Thomas who scored an Academy Award in 1988 for “The Last Emperor” and racked up successes with “Crash” (1996)” and “Sexy Beast” (2000). Thomas knows how to dig deep inside a man’s mind and dissect the intellect in detail while the façade of normalcy crumbles. Whether it be the final stages of denial of the last emperor of China or the dying last gasps of an aging hoodlum the bigger they are the harder they fall. Charles Darwin was in danger of taking the biggest fall of them all. Not only was he dying physically but he was on the verge of suffering the ultimate indignity, the humiliation of going insane, on the eve of the greatest scientific breakthrough of the century.

Cinematography is by Jess Hall, lenser for indie favorites “Hot Fuzz,” “Son of Rambow” and super-sleeper South African cop drama “Stander” who joins a crack team of costume, makeup and set designers in this luscious period piece. Great supporting work by Jeremy Northam playing close friend of the family Reverend Innes who is eventually completely alienated from his friend by the concept of secular creation.

The underlying dread of Darwin’s game of chicken with mental illness and the intense sorrow and helplessness of Annie’s death underscore the sacrifice required of many of humankind’s greatest works. The scenes of Darwin’s semi-hysterical grasping at science to save his daughter are contrasted to what would become his own monumental contribution. The science that failed to save the one he loved would be the beneficiary of the work he did while watching her life slowly ebb.

This film is a suitable tribute to a great man that is entirely suitable for the whole family.

Directed by: Jon Amiel
Written by: John Collee based on Randal Keynes biography

Starring: Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany

Release:  January 22, 2010
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some intense thematic material
Runtime: 108 minutes
Country: UK
Language: English
Color: Color