Creation (2009)

Torn between faith and science, and suffering hallucinations, English naturalist Charles Darwin struggles to complete 'On the Origin of Species' and maintain his relationship with his wife.

Director:

Jon Amiel

Writers:

John Collee (screenplay), Jon Amiel (screen story)

Stars:

Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Ian Kelly

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Bettany	...	Charles Darwin
Ian Kelly	...	Captain Fitzroy
Guy Henry	...	Technician
Martha West	...	Annie Darwin
Anabolena Rodriguez	...	Fuegia Basket
Paul Campbell	...	Boat Memory
Zak Davies	...	Jemmy Button
Teresa Churcher	...	Mrs. Davies
Jennifer Connelly	...	Emma Darwin
Freya Parks	...	Etty Darwin
Jim Carter	...	Parslow
Christopher Dunkin	...	George Darwin
Gene Goodman	...	Franky Darwin
Harrison Sansostri	...	Lenny Darwin
Benedict Cumberbatch	...	Joseph Hooker

Storyline

What happens when a world-renowned scientist, crushed by the loss of his eldest daughter, formulates a theory in conflict with religious dogma? This is the story of Charles Darwin and his master-work "The Origin of Species". It tells of a global revolution played out within the confines of a small English village; a passionate marriage torn apart by the most dangerous idea in history; and a theory saved from extinction by the logic of a child.

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Plot Keywords:

hallucination | marriage between cousins | imitation | nest | birdcage | 

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Taglines:

How he saw the world changed it forever

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some intense thematic material

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site (Canada)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 September 2009 (UK)

Also Known As:

Origin

Filming Locations:

Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

£10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£199,477 (United Kingdom), 25 September 2009, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$53,073, 24 January 2010, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$340,611, 23 May 2010

Company Credits

Production Co:

Recorded Picture Company (RPC),BBC Films,HanWay Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although actor Toby Jones was advertised as a supporting role, and is frequently shown in the trailer, he is in the movie for less than fifteen minutes in one scene.

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Goofs

The epilogue states "He was buried with full Christian honours, in Westminister Abbey." This should read "Westminster Abbey."

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Quotes

Thomas Huxley: Mr Darwin, sir? Either you are being disingenuous or you do not fully understand your own theory. Evidently, what is true of the barnacle is true of all creatures, even humans. The Almighty can no longer claim to have authored every species in under a week. You've killed God, sir! You've killed God!

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Crazy Credits

Dedicated to the memory of ... & all those whose lives have been devastated by chronic post-infection diseases.

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Connections

Featured in Late Show with David Letterman: Episode #17.71 (2010)

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Soundtracks

Étude Op. 25, No. 11, Winter Wind
Composed by Frédéric Chopin
Performed by Elena Nalimova

User Reviews

Great film, poignant, humanistic, and still surprisingly timely.

I saw the world premiere at the Toronto International Film Fest, this is a great film.

Real-life husband and wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly star as Charles and Emma Darwin in the midst of their struggle through the writing of and decision to publish "Origin of Species". Their consideration of the ramifications it may have for their family and the future of humankind are conveyed in such a manner that one suspects only an off-screen couple could achieve.

Jon Amiel (who gave a heart-felt introduction) and John Collee do and excellent job of bringing Randal Keynes' biography to life. They created some very poignant and human moments, great cinematography and sets and a generous helping of tongue-in-cheek about the still divisive theory of evolution.

The surprise star is Martha West who plays Annie Darwin, the character around whom much of the story unfurls. She plays the precocious young girl to a tee. If this performance is anything to go by her star should be on the rise.

All in all a great film, and although it is a period drama the issues that drive it are still very much alive today.