Creation

I have a standing rule not to pay more than $23 for any Blu-ray movie (no need to encourage Hollywood marketeers). That said, I broke that rule for this movie after hearing an interview with the writer and producer on NPR (National Public Radio) then discovered that this disc was worth every penny. One thing you will come away with is the fact that there were many similarities between life in 1859 and today. For example, people of both times were split between theism, deism, and atheism. (Contrary to popular belief, Darwin was somewhere between deist and theist). So does "Darwin's Theory do away with God" as Huxley said, or does it "replace the Genesis story with something more pragmatic"? I prefer to believe that later but you should make up your own mind.

Of the many fine books, movies, video productions and museum displays produced last year, this one certainly takes the cake. Magnificent production and direction as well as "A-list" acting make this a total delight. And let's not forget the book that it is based on: written by a great, great, grandson of the Darwins with access to private, family materials. What's not to love?

I am today ordering the blu-ray version, but this review is based upon the theatrical release which I happened to catch in New York City in February. I don't believe it was released generally in the US, which is a shame.

I can't recommend the movie (and book) highly enough!

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I wanted to enjoy "Creation" more than I did. Certainly, the focus upon Darwin's private life as a husband and a father is an interesting way to portray the man. Yet, Toby Jones' electrifying portrayal of Thomas Henry Huxley even though brief had more moment in the drama than anything the actor did as Darwin. What I did not like about the film is that it made the tremendous genius look like a hallucinating madman in the same way that Vincent Van Gogh is often described as a mentally disturbed artist rather than show these men as the thoughtful intellectuals both of them truly were. It is true that Darwin was emotionally wounded by the deaths of his daughters and that he did worry about the effect of his great idea on contemporary Christian understanding as well as his wife's profound religious views. But actually his wife was far more supportive of his enterprise than is shown in the film...and Charles Darwin's sudden rush to publish the "Big Book" after 1858 was probably spurred by the fear that another scientist would take the credit for the insights he had developed for decades. In summary, see "Darwin's Darkest Hour" for a far more balanced view of the critical year before publication of "On the Origin of Species." Alternatively, there is a very, very good "biography" of Darwin on DVD entitled "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" which is the opening movie in the 7 part "Evolution" series from PBS.

But I will say that the scenes of Darwin interacting with a zoo Orangutan are magical. Now that's something to marvel at.

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The film is a marvelous masterpiece of a great theme and artistry. All actors are very successful. I am so glad that a film is now available for all of us to see the human side of Darwin and his extraordinary endevour.

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As stated in the title, this movie does not attempt to provide any grounds for the Theory of Evolution. Instead, it depicts a realistic story of Darwin's personal struggle that occurs when his faith, his knowledge and his grief over the death of his daughter collide.

The move is rich with imagery. The scenes are beautiful and the acting by Bettany and Connelly are brilliant.

The movie is, at times, dense with flashback scenes and information and requires either the use of "playback" for review or "pause" for discussion. I love films such as these.

Keep up the good work BBC.