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Movie Review: Creation Alternate Title: Survival of the Fittest
Story: 2009 was the 150th anniversary
of the publication of 'On the Origin of Species'
and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth
and yet this new British film about Charles Darwin has failed to land
a distribution deal in the States because his theories on human evolution
are too controversial for religious American audiences, according to
the film's producer. Say what? Yes, it seems that his seminal publication
about evolution is still a hot potato issue in these wacky, crazy United
States. That alone is reason for you to go out to see this film - if
you can find it in your area. This biopic focus' on the years immediately preceding
publication of his ideas. Thoughtfully directed by Jon Amiel
and written by John Collee it is based on the book
“Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, his Daughter, and Human
Evolution ” by Randal Keynes, a
great, great grandson of Charles Darwin. Darwin feared that the publication of his book
would effectively kill God. As we all know, that did not happen, but
the more Darwin came to believe his theories the more certain he was
that it was of the utmost importance to share his ideas with the world.
The agony of bringing his book to publication is the heart of this film.
It purports to show his struggle with his faith, his marriage and the
deep grief over his 10 year old daughter Annie's death. Truth be told, I would have preferred more scenes
about his voyages on the HMS Beagle, but this film is not about those
travels. Much of the film is shot between two time sequences. The so-called
present and the time before his daughter dies. Much of the film shows
Darwin's inner struggle to write his tome. However, there are some very cool scenes showing
growth and decay in the natural world and Darwin's belief that the natural
world is cruel, harsh and constantly evolving to make way for the fittest.
The film is a thoughtful homage to a great man and I recommend your
seeing it -if you can somehow find it. In celebrating Darwin's 200th birthday check out The Daily Show's Best
Evolution Moments. http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2009/02/12/the-daily-shows-best-evolution-moments/ For those that are Darwin loyalists, the Complete Works of Charles
Darwin can now be found on line. http://darwin-online.org.uk/ One more site all about Darwin here: http://www.aboutdarwin.com/index.html Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3VOa2F_BzM Acting: Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin is believably
anguished and tortured. Jennifer Connelly as wife,
Emma Darwin is just right for this role. Jeremy Northam
as Reverend Innes, does an admirable job. Young Martha West
as little Annie Darwin is terrific.
Trivia: Paul Bettany has been married to Jennifer
Connelly since 2003. They met on the set of 'A Beautiful Mind.'
Jennifer Connelly grew up in Brooklyn Heights, just
across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, except for the four years
her family spent in Woodstock, New York.
Predilection: Charles Darwin is one of my heroes.
Critters: Oh my. All manner of creature from the
wee maggot to the magnificent orangutan.
Food: I do not recall anyone eating anything. Sex Spectrum: None
Soundtrack: Dramatically appropriate.
Opening Titles: A lovely sequence with Darwin telling
a story of his adventures to Tierra Del Fuego to his darling daughter
Annie.
Visual Art: A fine depiction of 1859 England.
Theater Audience: About 20 of the fittest.
Weather: It is England. We get to see all kinds of
weather.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: If you accept the notion that the natural
world is cruel you will not squirm.
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: I cried over the cutest orangutan called
Jenny.
Oscar Worthy: Probably not.
Soap Box: Don't get me started on the Creationists.
Big Screen or Rental: Go for the big screen.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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