I’m updating this article as I finally got a chance to see the movie through Netflix. The bulk of the story is about how Darwin is devastated by both the anxiety over writing his book “The Origin Of The Species” and the loss of his favorite daughter.
Darwin lived in a very Christian England. He belonged to a very Christian community. A preacher was a close friend of the family and his wife was deeply religious. His views strained his marriage and his friendships. His children were chastised for repeating his views. Darwin was terrified that the publishing of his work would plunge the world into a moral abyss. He became ill with anxiety.
it was a bit amusing to see some the of the “nu age” anxiety cures Darwin’s doctor/proto-psychotherapist prescribed until I remembered some of the alternative medicine around these days, many therapies resembling Darwin’s “hydrotherapy” ( a strong, cold shower for a long time ).
Eventually, Darwin visits the rental room where his daughter died and has a huge emotional catharsis.. He returns home to confront his wife. He and his wife reconcile into a loving marriage. Darwin then repairs his strained relationship with his children. Then, he finishes his book.
At the end of the film he hands his handwritten manuscript over to his wife. He tells her she can do anything she likes with it, including burning it, but he asks her to read it first. She does and at then tells him to send it to the publisher telling him that his book changed her.
I just take it for granted that most people will not listen, so I found the end touching. It is an amazing act of love and courage to put your view of the world on line for someone you care about. It reminded me of a newscast I saw a few months ago about a group of “atheist priests” who got persuaded out of their faith by reading the popular books of the “new atheists” like Richard Dawkins’ works.
All in all, the movie paints Darwin as a human being rather than as a stodgy scientist. I have no idea how historically accurate the movie is.
It is worth renting, though it is a tad slow.
Charles Darwin film ‘too controversial for religious America’
A British film about Charles Darwin has failed to find a US distributor because his theory of evolution is too controversial for American audiences, according to its producer.
“Creation” is now available through Netflix and other DVD channels. You can read the IMDB page here
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