In my opinion this film is well deserving of both the buzz it received during last years’ opening at the Toronto International Film Festival and the more than likely Oscar nomination this March.

This undeniably controversial drama focuses on Darwin’s ongoing struggle to come to terms with his own beliefs as he writes “On the Origin of Species”. At the same time, Charles, (Paul Betany) and his estranged wife Emma (Jennifer Connelly) must face their own personal demons following the death of their 10 year old daughter Annie.

There is no doubt in my mind that it is that same controversy, along with the film’s shall I say, deliciously unnerving  blend of arty madness and Cynicism that make  viewers gasp in horror and delight.

The constant flashbacks between past and present introduce us to Annie;a strong and remarkably bright little girl who seems to share in Charles’ fascination with nature, animals and existentialism. When the bond between father and daughter is severed by her untimely death Darwin own inner balance is threatened.

Part of what adds to the multidimensional feel of this cinematic masterpiece, is its ability to go beyond Darwin’s theory of evolution into a much more modern understanding of progress and development; be it the “evolution” of technology, industry or human thought.  In other words, here we are again being offered the opportunity as an audience to take a closer look at our own evolutionary realities and setbacks some 150  years later.

As I see it, The film“Creation” much like Darwin’s theories on natural selection have no intention of denying or necessarily disputing the existence of G-d. Rather it gives us a chance to re-evaluate our social needs and desires within a larger, ever-changing universe.

Darwin’s inner anguish as portrayed in this film, stems from his perceived inability to offer himself and the world, an alternate window to the outside. It is no secret that today, we continue the struggle of moral values, the fight between science and art and the loss of our own identity within a consumer society.

Paul Bettany plays a Charles that is extremely volatile and emotionally distraught however there is a powerful human side to him which keeps the audiences on the edge of their sit; nail bitingly gripped by the story.

Charles and Emma are now in their 40s and find themselves trapped in what seems to be an irreversibly damaged relationship. It’s an ongoing battle of good and evil, faith and religion, control and free will. Each of the leading actors give a stunning, genuinely compelling performance which at times made me gasp for air and cheer with anticipation. Darwin’s thirst for knowledge and discovery is unprecedented. Even his children inadvertently become part of a larger study of human creation and the meaning of life. Yet his sense of duty and responsibility to those he loves is the very force that prevents him from following his true path.

“Creation is a touching film that is sure to reawaken our spirit. Above all it is a tale of human perseverance and our ability to against all odds, rise above the guilt, pain and adversity.

I am no scientist or historian but seeing “Creation” has given me a way to connect and open up to the very real possibility, that Darwin was in fact a man of faith; with love and compassion being the fundamental impetus of his life.

I mean, for some strange inexplicable reason I have always had this aching desire to live in this area. Little did I know, it was because somehow I knew that here is where I was likely to run into seemingly “failing” poets nerdy UofT students and outspoken bums with previous artistic inclinations. The very thought of coming face to face with people I would admire from a distance but never really know the reason why, was both intriguing and inspiring to me. However, today I am almost certain that it is that very pattern of thinking which demanded no further action either than blind admiration, that has gotten me to a place of utter literary ignorance. I am sure however, that Jane Jacobs who lived in the Annex for 37 years, would have given me a friendly “hello” if she ever saw me walk along Albany Avenue. In a humbling sort of way Jane would look into my eyes and notice a certain twinkle; one that only writers, environmental geeks and flirty teens can master.

It’s 1959 and I am having a casual conversation with a then 20 years old Margaret Atwood about her fascination with tales and myths. Together, while eating fresh begets and sipping tea at a classic cafe in old Quebec, we  quietly dream of publishing 15 poetry books, of how surreal it would be to one day get our hands on the Governor General’s Award not once but twice…and we laugh.

Dennis Lee I’ve had the opportunity to meet and chat with. Let me tell you, what an outspoken, funny and insightful character that man is. Born in 1939 he does not look a day over fifty but that’s besides the point. If it wasn’t for the fact that, that night at The Harbord Room, reading series he was the feature poet or that his overzealous publicist couldn’t let him out of her sight, I would have told him how much I believe in the value of cooperative education and that Rochedale College was in fact, one of the best inventions of the 1960s. He would would have handed me a copy of “Civic Elegies and Other Poems” and after his reading of “Alligator Pie” I would clap my hands with child-like excitement….oh,wait a minute; that part did actually happen.

After a night of poetry and a few glasses of red wine, Dennis, Margaret, Jane and I are filled with glee. I ask them: Is this what literary Annex is all about? They look at me inquisitively “Yes this is it; it’s just how we all imagined it”.

Thank you to Stephen Young for the image.

Writing a stage play, much like gliding, is about overcoming your fear of “heights”. It is about trusting another to remain in control. In stage writing, as you prepare for liftoff consider the following:

Say the Words:

Your words are what are going to make the audience come along for the ride. It is your words said out loud by another (the actor) that are going to give the audience the confidence and the emotional stamina to keep watching the play. Choose your words carefully and always check back with your audience to make sure that what they are experiencing coincides with the intended mood of the play. Your task is to present your characters through a tension building setting where the audience is presented with the opportunity to prepare for their “flight” mentally, emotionally and physically and they are no longer afraid of liftoff but crave to see the conflict resolved.  As the tension between the characters builds (we can call it height/speed on the runway) the situation escalates and the audiences are flying high. They are scared, angry and full of anticipation.  As in gliding where the pilot has to eventually take the plane down, so does a playwright. At this point aim towards resolving the conflict and take the audience down.  Let them experience the emotional gravity before yet another takeoff.

The Freedom of Sight:

Develop a dialogue between characters that paints a clear visual picture of what is going on, on stage. Having a strong idea for a plot will help you carry through with the story. Imagery and imagination are vital in conveying a scene. As the audiences look down upon the earth from their engineless plane, they should be able to see the trees, waters, marshlands and roads down below. Get into your characters head, mind, body and soul. Who are they? Where do they come from? What are they thinking/feeling? Ask what situation would best convey who they are. The actors in this case will help put the fuss in your muss. It is up to you to create the mood for “flight” and keep the riders (audiences) asking for more. As you’re “flying” over the landscape, is it winter, is it snowing and how does your character/s feel about it?

Make constant mental notes, like what is the time period in which your play takes place? Are your characters poor, rich or middle class? What do they need, want or desire? Design your scenes around the message; they can be vignettes that bring your characters to life. Keep the scenes consistent and appeal to your audiences’ sense of drama and curiosity.

Play Right Playwright:

Read, Read, Read! Familiarizing yourself with other works will give you the insight you’ll need to start creating your own vision for a play. This will also allow you to experiment with format and style. You can begin learning about theatre conventions such as dialogue, setting and character development. While you’re at it feel free to check out some theatre spaces and decide which ones best speak to the kind of play you envision; e.g. lighting, space mood, dramatic potential. Remember that it is virtually impossible to stage a great play without getting to know your stage first. Once you have the hang of the basics, head down to your local community theatre. Think of it as your “playground”. Volunteer to sit at a ticket booth, greet guests as they arrive, serve pop at intermission. Taking initiative will demonstrate your commitment and show others that you’re in it for the long hull. You never know, if you play it right, you may just master the science of playwright!

• You’re so ordinary
• You’re not good enough
• The real world is for winners
• You don’t know squat about writing
• Creativity is not your strength
• You blend in like the rest of them
• You will never be a writer so just give up
• Your writing is so blend
• Bugger off already

So, I’d go scrub the grime off the stove or wipe the dust off the kitchen counter. I’d burry my head in the sand and begin my ritual of self annihilation. Then, I thought to myself, if you’re stuck at home with a mouthy husband all you have to do is stop serving him dinner. I’m ready to write my inner critic off the page! I’m convinced that by consciously challenging and opposing that nagging voice inside, you too, can watch Mr. Critic shrivel and die.  Let us call the technique writing against the critic.

As you pour yourself that morning cup of pick-me-up juice, think about your personal creative triggers. In other words what positive action can I take today that is entirely in opposition to the thought blocking critic in me. It is important to focus on the kinds of motivational prompts that are specific to your own values and personality type.

1. Write it down!

Even if you have to write about doodling on a napkin or chewing your nails in class do it! Writing a story about the 10 ways to squash a fly is still a story. If sitting at your computer in your underwear makes you cringe at the thought of dirty laundry then let that be your cue. Keep in mind that some of the most famous writers were those who dared themselves to write about nothing. This is much like running a marathon; you may get sluggish and sloppy at the start of the race but as you begin to see that finish line, watch that second breathe come to the rescue. The more patient you are with your words the more sense they will make. Remember, words have a way of giving back. Now, I’m not saying this is easy but mouthy Mr. Inner-critic is always lurking just around the corner waiting for you to surrender to “his” will.

2. Dig out that Notebook!

This one is tricky; quit starring at that computer screen! Oh and while you’re at it, get off the internet. The web is a big time waster and every time you’re tempted by it, the critic in you grins. Instead, dig out that notebook and scribble away. Doing so will authenticate the process and allow you to engage with the parts of your brain you had “forgotten in the old attic”. Using a notebook and pen will reawaken your senses and allow your creativity to flourish.  In a day or two get back to your scribbles and look at them with a fresher eye; you may be surprised at what you discover.

3. Change it up!

When you’re alone with the inner-critic get out that door! Take a walk on “the wild side”; go to your Local Park or library, grab a latte at a neighborhood coffee shop. This will help keep your writing bug alive and well and your level of productivity will shoot through the roof.

4. Random Acts of Writing!

Pick a random activity like going through old photographs or reading a passage of a book. You may even have a scrapbook or a clippings box with old headlines, phrases or quotes that appeal to your sense of curiosity. Once you’ve found these treasures spread them out on the floor or a table and start putting the puzzle together. It’s a mix and match game that is sure to keep your mind going.

5. Humor Yourself!

Laughter is a great motivator! When we laugh we’re giving ourselves permission to have fun; to be less than perfect. So invite yourself to giggle at the way you avoided writing that first chapter or how your very first short story was anything but a masterpiece. Realize that it’s ok for a writer to screw it up; not only is it ok but it is vital to your future success. By noting that writing like a “loser” is just as fun as writing like a pro you will forever silence the inner-critic.