Creation (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
19th century English naturalist Charles Darwin (Paul Bettany) struggles with his domestic life & the decision to publish his revolutionary theory of evolution in 'Creation', directed by Jon Amiel. Working from the book 'Annie's Box', written by Darwin's great-great grandson Randal Keynes, this film shows Darwin as a fully engaged husband & father who goes through a sort of crisis (and illness) after the untimely death of his eldest, & favorite daughter, Annie (great newcomer, Martha West). Growing in his belief that the world is its own perpetual creation (and not God's), Charles blames himself for her Annie's death; and thinks she may not be in 'Heaven' -- she even haunts him with hallucinatory visits. Meanwhile, his loyal, sad, deeply religious wife, Emma (Bettany's wife, Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly) finds her husband's work to be irreparably damaging to their Christian beliefs.
Theirs is a good marriage (they were actually 1st cousins). Emma loves him, supports him, but - numbed by her daughter's death, herself - finds his evolution theories to be problematic. Sure, Darwin's scientific pals, Hooker & Huxley (the stellar duo of Benedict Cumberbatch & Toby Jones) urge him on to publish; knowing that his provocative "The Origin of Species" will rock the world forever. But Emma asks their respected town minister (Jeremy Northam) to talk to Charles about staying true to God. And expectedly so, Charles pulls away. Bereft, discouraged, & facing a case of writer's block ... Charles' new, bleak outlook at the afterlife makes him view the world with a growing cynicism. And so is the story about how this tortured genius waded his way through a tidal wave of emotions en route to the publication of his masterwork; and how the unflinching power of love saves his life.
I appreciated, & mildly enjoyed 'Creation' for a fair number of effective scenes, rather than it's whole. It's a slightly aggravating watch because you can see the quality everywhere (good performances, intelligent dialogue, moody, great production design, costumes, delicate score, etc.) ... but it's a too-somber story that feels longer than its 105 minutes. You can tell that this film is a labor of love; which is great. It's based on a book by Darwin's own relative. Bettany, Connelly, & crew are taking everything seriously. There's a great effort on the screen. It's nice to put a human face on Darwin; especially since the film focuses on his youth, & not the old, bearded guy we've seen in photos. But not only is the tone too dour, but the film struggles to CLEARLY define what it's about. By the end of the film, I got it. With exception of a few strained cinematic flourishes (depicting Darwin's elusive scientific ideas & practice), 'Creation' is really all about Darwin - the Man.
The screenplay weaves in & out btwn. the lovely, sweet moments Darwin shared with his family, including the apple of his eye, Annie ... and his later, wracked-with-guilt persona before the publication. Once I realized that the film was more about HIM, his familial relationships, and not his work, I accepted the movie, more so. But it's a shame I was so bored, & confused about this until the last act. Paul Bettany is great, here. I loved his tender scenes with Annie. Though, his perpetually sick shtick gets annoying; whether or not it was 100% true. Jennifer Connelly, inflecting a perfect English accent, shows Emma's anguish as well as her undying loyalty to Charles; even while they were pulling apart religiously. 'Creation' is a thoughtful movie about a man ahead of his time, & how love can repair a marriage/family when all else is flailing around it. By the end, I liked the film enough, but can't excuse it's languorous pace, & early confusion of narrative focus.
Theirs is a good marriage (they were actually 1st cousins). Emma loves him, supports him, but - numbed by her daughter's death, herself - finds his evolution theories to be problematic. Sure, Darwin's scientific pals, Hooker & Huxley (the stellar duo of Benedict Cumberbatch & Toby Jones) urge him on to publish; knowing that his provocative "The Origin of Species" will rock the world forever. But Emma asks their respected town minister (Jeremy Northam) to talk to Charles about staying true to God. And expectedly so, Charles pulls away. Bereft, discouraged, & facing a case of writer's block ... Charles' new, bleak outlook at the afterlife makes him view the world with a growing cynicism. And so is the story about how this tortured genius waded his way through a tidal wave of emotions en route to the publication of his masterwork; and how the unflinching power of love saves his life.
I appreciated, & mildly enjoyed 'Creation' for a fair number of effective scenes, rather than it's whole. It's a slightly aggravating watch because you can see the quality everywhere (good performances, intelligent dialogue, moody, great production design, costumes, delicate score, etc.) ... but it's a too-somber story that feels longer than its 105 minutes. You can tell that this film is a labor of love; which is great. It's based on a book by Darwin's own relative. Bettany, Connelly, & crew are taking everything seriously. There's a great effort on the screen. It's nice to put a human face on Darwin; especially since the film focuses on his youth, & not the old, bearded guy we've seen in photos. But not only is the tone too dour, but the film struggles to CLEARLY define what it's about. By the end of the film, I got it. With exception of a few strained cinematic flourishes (depicting Darwin's elusive scientific ideas & practice), 'Creation' is really all about Darwin - the Man.
The screenplay weaves in & out btwn. the lovely, sweet moments Darwin shared with his family, including the apple of his eye, Annie ... and his later, wracked-with-guilt persona before the publication. Once I realized that the film was more about HIM, his familial relationships, and not his work, I accepted the movie, more so. But it's a shame I was so bored, & confused about this until the last act. Paul Bettany is great, here. I loved his tender scenes with Annie. Though, his perpetually sick shtick gets annoying; whether or not it was 100% true. Jennifer Connelly, inflecting a perfect English accent, shows Emma's anguish as well as her undying loyalty to Charles; even while they were pulling apart religiously. 'Creation' is a thoughtful movie about a man ahead of his time, & how love can repair a marriage/family when all else is flailing around it. By the end, I liked the film enough, but can't excuse it's languorous pace, & early confusion of narrative focus.