I have to admit that going into Creation, the new film starring Paul Bethany and Jennifer Connelly, my knowledge of its subject -- Charles Darwin -- was limited. I know the name. Who doesn’t? And I know he wrote Origin of the Species which outlined the theory of evolution and natural selection. But beyond that, I couldn’t tell you much more about the 19th century Englishman whose work revolutionized scientific thought.
And that’s what I liked most about this drama from director Jon Amiel, who, along with John Collee, adapted Randal Keynes’ (Darwin’s great-great-grandson) book Annie’s Box. It is fascinating to learn the circumstances leading up to the 1859 publication of Origin of the Species and how close it came to actually never happening.
Always interested in nature and the life sciences, Darwin’s (Bethany) theories percolated for years as he spent endless hours on his research. His life outside the laboratory didn’t help his efforts much. His scientific views are considered blasphemy in his family’s church. And it’s hard to determine who they upset more -- the church congregation or his wife Emma (Connelly), a devout Christian. On the other hand, colleagues of Darwin such as Thomas Huxley (Toby Jones) and Joseph Hooker (Benedict Cumberbatch) are beaming with anticipation as to how his findings will dispel the common belief about God’s role in creating man. Darwin himself couldn’t be more conflicted. He doesn’t want to go against his faith and his wife, but it is also impossible to ignore the importance of his findings.
All of this pales in comparison to the emotional turmoil he is suffering over the loss of his eldest daughter Annie, who died at the age of ten from scarlet fever. The pain is both physical and mental. Visions of her appear to him and he has taken to conversing with her and sharing his innermost thoughts. As he does, he grows more and more distant from her mother and her siblings. At the same time, Darwin is growing weaker from an unknown illness. Unable to eat, barely able to work, he struggles to go on. But even if he is able to finish his book, the question remains -- will he have the courage to publish his controversial findings and risk further estrangement from his wife and his church?
Bethany gives a strong performance as Darwin, convincingly portraying the multitude of conflicts tearing this man apart. But we also get to see the joy he finds in nature and his work, especially the scenes where he is sharing these wonders with his children on their frequent nature hikes. They go a long way to balance the emotional turmoil that heavily weighs throughout about two thirds of the film. As Emma, Connelly doesn’t make much of an impact. The role calls for her to be disconnected to her husband, and as a result, Connelly makes no connection to the character.
Creation’s biggest appeal is its historical aspects. It’s at its best when delving into Darwin’s work and the atmosphere surrounding it. Who knew that there was such a conflict between religion and science? The more things change, the more... well you know. But beyond that, the film has trouble resonating. As we know the outcome, the drama doesn’t really hold much impact. It may satisfy your curiosity about the man, but won’t satisfy much beyond that.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A note: Creation opened in theaters on January 22, and I fully intended to post this on that day. Unfortunately, my computer’s hard drive decided to quit the day before. After a week in intensive care, it is better now and almost back up to speed. As this piece was already written, I thought I’d post it now, even though it is a week later.
