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“Darwin’s Darkest Hour” Offers Insight Into Scientist’s Inner Struggle
Exploring Darwin’s Inner Monologue. Many authors, screenwriters and historians have attempted to portray Darwin’s life and his work through books, films and comedies. This latest attempt, a two-hour docudrama starring Henry Ian Cusick of the popular TV series “Lost” as Darwin, and Frances O’Connor from the film “Mansfield Park” as his wife Emma, airs tonight.
Set in 1858, the film is a critical window into Darwin’s life as he struggles with the decision to share his controversial research. According to the PBS press release, Darwin worried that if he delayed publication of his theory on natural selection, his life’s work might be erased, "[b]ut to come forward with his ideas risked the fury of the Church and perhaps a rift with his own devoted wife.”
In the trailer, one gets a sense of the anguish both Darwin and his wife felt over his “abominable volume,” and the magnitude of his decision. The film also offers other insights into his family life. Screenwriter John Goldsmith told NOVA how pained Darwin was upon losing his daughter Annie to scarlet fever. “It was the great emotional moment of Darwin's life," Goldsmith said, "what remnants he had of Christian faith, I think, were absolutely killed stone dead by that.”
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