Darwin movie is inspired creationism

It’s gonna be a late night tonight. I have to see “Chloe,” Atom Egoyan’s version of the 2003 French film “Nathalie.” Roger Ebert liked it; Betsy Sharkey didn’t. Ah, well.

I spent yesterday afternoon at the Magic Lantern, watching the period piece “Creation.” Starring real-life marrieds Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly as historical marrieds Charles and Emma Darwin, “Creation” would seem to be a standard biopic about the struggles of a former man of faith to weather his religious wife’s scorn as he tries to write a book that will change history.

But “Creation” is something different. Based on the book “Annie’s Box,” which documents Darwin’s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), who died in 1851, Jon Amiel’s movie is as much about Darwin’s grief over Annie’s death as it is anything else. As such, tissues will come in handy, especially for those who have loving children.

That’s not to say that everything Amiel does works. Darwin’s struggle with religion feels natural. But his fascination with hydro-therapy feels confusing, as if he’s trading traditional faith for a kind of pseudo-science, which brings his whole process into question. And, of course, there’s the ongoing question of whether the water treatment had anything to do with Annie’s death. It certainly didn’t help any.

But Bettany is good. We expect quality from Connelly, an Oscar winner. But Bettany, though he’s pulled off decent performances in everything from “A Knight’s Tale” (in which he played Chaucer) to “Master and Commander,” has yet to snare a role that shows just how good he is. “Creation” comes close, but no one gets a cigar.

Maybe someday, though. After all, Bettany’s career is still - wait for it - evolving.

Below : The trailer for “Creation.”