Creation

This was a controversial opening film for The Toronto Film Festival 2009. It is interesting to note that the central theme is also about controversy

Charles Darwin struggled with his research that leads to the book Origin Of Species. I found the research very fascinating. He totally was involved with his theories and research often to the exclusion of his family.

He had a beautiful loving wife and four children. For some reason the adorable Annie seemed to be his favorite child and he did spend time discussing theories with her and telling her stories.

The problem was that in those days the church and the people were not receptive to theories on evolution. Poor Annie had to kneel in rock salt when the minister heard her speak of some of her father’s beliefs.

The wife was religious and very classical in her beliefs and life style. Charles theories were upsetting to her. Throughout the film we also see him suffer with a physical ailment. I kept thinking he was going to die.

The cinematography was superb especially with the outdoor scenes. The shots of the animals, insects and birds were quite spectacular.

At he beginning of the film Darwin tells his daughter Annie about a tribe of people in New Guinea. They did not wash or wear clothes and their hair was extremely long. History tells us that a British ship bought three young children from this tribe in exchange for calico and buttons. They were taken to England for three years. They were given fine clothes and taught to be proper young English citizens. The purpose was to have them illustrate to their people a ‘better way’ when they returned home. It was quite humorous to see this story illustrated. The children immediately stripped off their clothes and ran to greet their fellow clansmen. Quite a lesson in that story.

It is painful to see the struggle that Charles Darwin faced within his own soul and certainly with his family, friends and community.

HE was encouraged by the scientists to continue his research and publish his findings. At one point a colleague states,” You have killed god. It is time to write your book.” IT was clearly stated that science was at war with religion. I could just imagine the uproar all of this must have been in those days.

This is an informative film. It also is a family struggle and was painful to watch at times.