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.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.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.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaPaul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly, who portray Charles Darwin and his wife, are married in real life.
- GoofsThe epilogue states "He was buried with full Christian honours, in Westminister Abbey." This should read "Westminster Abbey."
- 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!
- Crazy creditsThe title appears against a background imitative of Michaelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" from the Sistine Chapel, with Adam replaced by the title. This is also simulated in the cover art, with Adam replaced by a chimpanzee.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Late Show with David Letterman: Episode #17.71 (2010)
Charles Darwin's presence is illuminated by Paul Bettany's performance and the difficult role of his wife Emma is played with great sensitivity by Bettany's real wife Jennifer Connelly. The pivotal role of Annie (Darwin's eldest daughter who seemed to have inherited all of the curiosity and imagination of Darwin) is portrayed by first time actress Martha West (daughter of actor Dominic West): it is Annie's death that alters the course of this story, that event and the final reconciliation between Darwin and Emma after Emma actually reads the completed book (The Origin of Species). The supporting cast is excellent: Jeremy Northam is the unforgiving cleric Reverend Innes, the other Darwin children are very natural in their acting - Freya Parks, Harrison Sansostri, Christopher Dunkin - and Toby Jones adds sparks as Thomas Huxley who declares that Darwin's theories prove that God is dead! The cinematography by Jess Hall is excellent - especially in the scenes involving man's first connection with the apes. The musical score by Christopher Young rather blurs all the action into a Victorian mush, but the actors and director are able to make us forget that ill- conceived add-on. In all, the film is a family story - it just so happens that the family is that of a great man about whose personal life we know very little. Impressive work.
Grady Harp
- gradyharp
- Jun 29, 2010
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Origin
- Filming locations
- Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England, UK(Malvern where Darwin was treated for health problems)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- £10,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $341,323
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $53,073
- Jan 24, 2010
- Gross worldwide
- $2,058,675
- Runtime1 hour 48 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1