What's On

The latest effort from BBC Films is a biography of the early adult years of Charles Darwin. 

Although the great nineteenth century naturalist - who came up with the theory of ‘natural selection’ - was raised in Shropshire, he spent many happy days at the home of his uncle in north Staffordshire. He married Emma Wedgwood, who lived at Maer Hall in west Staffordshire.

During the course of the film, which shows flashbacks to Darwin's round-the-world voyage, the viewer sees just how the younger Charles is faced with the enormity of the theory that is forming in his mind.
It took him nearly twenty years to commit himself to the publication of his ground-breaking book 'On The Origin of Species'.

His doubts and fears are played out against the background of his life with his wife and children.

Revelations

One of the fascinating elements of the film is that it reminds us that Darwin was subject to strange illnesses in his life from his twenties onward. He had recurrent bouts of vomiting, headaches, eczema and impaired vision. Nowadays we might attribute these symptoms to heavy stress in one’s life.

It’s possible that Darwin’s private questions over established religion - which contrasted with his wife’s intense devoutness – might have contributed to his stress… a suggestion that the film delves into.

Darwin also struggled to come to terms with the early deaths of some of his children, another aspect of his life that the film looks into.

Darwin on film

The film of ‘Creation’ stars busy actor Paul Bettany – who, by pure coincidence, played a naturalist in the Russell Crowe film ‘Master & Commander’!

Emma Wedgwood is played by Bettany’s real-life wife, the Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly (‘A Beautiful Mind’).

The film is based upon Randal Keynes’ book, ‘Annie’s Box’, about the life of his great great grandfather Charles Darwin.
Annie, who died aged just ten, was one of Darwin’s many children, and her role is crucial in the film.

Creation was co-developed by BBC and the UK Film Council. It is in cinemas from September 25th, 2009.