Creation

Paul Bettany and real-life partner Jennifer Connelly star as Charles Darwin and wife Emma in this biopic from director Jon Amiel (The Core, Entrapment). If you’re familiar with Darwin’s work, but not with the man, then Creation will probably fill in some of the gaps of your knowledge, although it deals specifically with just one part of his life – the couple of years leading up to the publication of ‘On The Origin Of The Species’, when Darwin was not only finishing his groundbreaking book, but also struggling to come to terms with the death of his oldest child – adored ten-year-old daughter Annie.

Based on a book by the scientist’s great great grandson, Creation tries hard to forge links between Darwin’s evolutionary theories and his inner turmoil and grief. Would his daughter’s health have proven more resilient if Darwin and his wife were not first cousins? Could he have done more to save her? Does Annie’s death – or his theories on evolution – disprove the existence of God?

On top of this, he has his own health problems to contend with, and a strained relationship with his still-grieving wife – who is sceptical of his work and frightened of how it might be interpreted by others.

Unfortunately, audiences may feel themselves similarly suffering to reach the end of this disappointingly ponderous slice of history. Although it throws light upon a particular chapter of Darwin’s life, and features a suitably nervy and angst-ridden performance from Bettany, one can’t escape the feeling that the filmmakers have concentrated on the human side of Darwin at the expense of his fantastic achievements. There are a couple of moments of intrigue and pathos, but not enough to sustain one’s interest in what should have been a more fascinating film.

Last edited: 16th January 2010