“Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” is a 2008 American documentary-style film directed by Nathan Frankowski and featuring Ben Stein. The film argues that there exists a conspiracy within academia to suppress and marginalize individuals who advocate for intelligent design. It contends that the scientific theory of evolution is not only flawed but also associated with ideologies such as communism, fascism, atheism, eugenics, and the Holocaust.
Despite intelligent design being widely regarded as a pseudoscientific religious concept, the film presents it as science-based without providing a comprehensive scientific explanation. Instead, it focuses on portraying intelligent design as a victim of academic discrimination and censorship, primarily through interviews with proponents of the theory and scientists portrayed as atheists.
“Expelled” received predominantly negative reviews from media outlets, with many criticizing it as propaganda and a distortion of scientific principles. USA Today labeled it as “a political rant disguised as a serious commentary on stifled freedom of inquiry,” while Scientific American called it “a science-free attack on Darwin.” The New York Times described it as “a conspiracy-theory rant masquerading as investigative inquiry” and “an unprincipled propaganda piece.”
The film’s approach includes the use of vintage film clips, animations, and interviews to support its argument. It associates Darwinian ideas with Nazi atrocities and presents intelligent design as a victimized concept without delving into its scientific validity.
Despite the negative reception from mainstream media, conservative Christian groups generally praised the film for addressing what they perceive as a serious issue and for its humor.
Add comment