Jon Amiel’s highly-stylized bio-pic of Charles Darwin is a rather staid affair, but does avoid the pitfalls of most period dramas. In a brilliant way, it feels claustrophobic and stuffy: exactly like a museum. That’s quite an achievement for a film! With its supernatural overtones and but less-than-full-blooded discussion of science versus theology, it leaves the impression of being, well, a missed opportunity. Surely somebody as significant and controversial as Charles Darwin deserves something with a bit more oomph. Like a movie focused on his voyages with the HMS Beagle?
As it stands, it’s perfect fodder for a Sunday afternoon. Unlike Darwin’s theories: Creation won’t rock your world. The film pits real-life husband and wife combo Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connolly as figureheads for the great divide. Emma Darwin is a devout Christian and very uneasy at the direction her husband’s work is taking. He’s troubled too, but in his heart of hearts, knows he cannot turn away from it. Yet if one is expecting a rigorous assault on religion: think again. The film delivers a drama centered on Darwin’s inner conflict and the exorcising of his doubt and determination to change the world. For a man so infamous, his private life was quite guarded. The salient point is that this film, in certain societies, will go down like a lead balloon. No matter how even-handed the content, some people see Darwin as the devil.
The viewer is treated to a fantasied and allegorical account of the origin of On The Origin of Species and a man’s turning away from God. There is much conjecture here. When his most beloved daughter Annie dies, Emma Darwin finds ever deepening solace in God; whereas Darwin resolves to finish his book and unleash one of the most profound theories in the history of the world. As Huxley, a fellow scientist triumphantly says: “You’ve killed God.” The horror of this comment strikes Darwin pretty hard, but he knows his battle is worth fighting. The film is not some Richard Dawkins-style rant against the believers, but in taking the middle ground, it feels rather too scared to go beyond a certain point. Surely this does a disservice to the great man?
It was left to Nietzsche to pronounce the death of God, anyway. Darwin was a bit more respectful. There are some well-designed tableaux demonstrating the theory of evolution and natural selection using time-lapse and animated photography. The great insouciance of nature is displayed quite dramatically.
Although clearly an emotional journey for the Darwins, it’s less so for the audience. That Darwin gets the film treatment, even if it’s on such a small scale, makes it “worthy”. The man should be celebrated for the genius of his theory: not lambasted and used for the nefarious schemes of liars and madmen. Darwin didn’t kill God outright, but delivered a mortal wound. Does Amiel’s film argue for the complexity of creation and life over indoctrination and lies? It isn’t quite so brave, but then again, Darwin didn’t set out to battle with religion. He simply stopped believing. As Charles and Emma Darwin Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly deliver fine performances, but play it so Victorian-like, there’s little passion felt.
The extras include several insightful documentaries looking at the historic life of Darwin, interviews with the cast and crew and the making of the film.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Dir: Jon Amiel
Stars: Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly and Toby Jones
Running time: 1 hour 43 mins
DVD Extras:
The Battle For Charles Darwin
Darwin’s Legacy
Digging Deeper into Darwin
Nick Pollard on Film
Release date:
UK: 18th January
* Also available on Blu-ray