September 27, 2009
Everyone knows something about Charles Darwin and his work. His theory of evolution, his book The Origin of Species, and his struggle against the popular religious beliefs of his time are all aspects of Darwin’s life that have been explored in this anniversary year, marking two hundred years since his birth. However, whilst taking all of these factors into account, Director Jon Amiel’s film Creation takes a closer look at Darwin’s personal life.
Focusing on his marriage and his relationship with his children, Amiel looks at how Darwin’s revolutionary work affected his home life. It is perhaps the fact that the actors playing the lead roles (Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connolly) are a married couple in reality that lends to the sense of emotional closeness depicted throughout the film.
Don’t go to watch Creation expecting a documentary displaying the cold, hard facts surrounding the publication of Darwin’s research. What the film actually offers is a sensitive glimpse of the man behind the great work. It is a well known truth that Darwin’s book was socially challenging at the time it was written, but Creation goes a step further to emphasise this by showing that Darwin’s opposition to accepted religious belief when religion was everything nearly cost him not only his family and friends but also his health and sanity. The line “You Sir, have killed God” could not sum up Darwin’s own torment any better.
The soundtrack matches perfectly the moments of grief and intensity in the film and at a time when special effects and stunning visuals are expected, Creation tells its remarkable tale more than successfully by relying on immaculate costume design and convincing performances by the entire cast.
The film proves to be a credible and fascinating insight into the life of Charles Darwin, and certainly gives the impression that there is more to know about the man than is commonly perceived.
Focusing on his marriage and his relationship with his children, Amiel looks at how Darwin’s revolutionary work affected his home life. It is perhaps the fact that the actors playing the lead roles (Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connolly) are a married couple in reality that lends to the sense of emotional closeness depicted throughout the film.
Don’t go to watch Creation expecting a documentary displaying the cold, hard facts surrounding the publication of Darwin’s research. What the film actually offers is a sensitive glimpse of the man behind the great work. It is a well known truth that Darwin’s book was socially challenging at the time it was written, but Creation goes a step further to emphasise this by showing that Darwin’s opposition to accepted religious belief when religion was everything nearly cost him not only his family and friends but also his health and sanity. The line “You Sir, have killed God” could not sum up Darwin’s own torment any better.
The soundtrack matches perfectly the moments of grief and intensity in the film and at a time when special effects and stunning visuals are expected, Creation tells its remarkable tale more than successfully by relying on immaculate costume design and convincing performances by the entire cast.
The film proves to be a credible and fascinating insight into the life of Charles Darwin, and certainly gives the impression that there is more to know about the man than is commonly perceived.