The Blind Watchmaker (1987)

Written & Produced: Jeremy Taylor & Richard Dawkins

Starring: Richard Dawkins

More info: Atheist Movies

Plot: The evidence proposed is well-organized and current. The video first presents creationist ideas, articulated by Texans who support the theory of special creationism, and then provides vivid contradictory data through observation, computer simulations, robotics, experiments and close examination of designs in nature. Its central argument is that the diversity and variety we see in such complex adaptations as the eye and insect mimicry can best be explained by cumulative natural selection over long periods of time. With its vivid blend of argument and scientific detail, The Blind Watchmaker will enrich even the most advanced student's view of evolution.

My rating: 8/10

Will I watch it again? I'll have to get back to you on that one.

This brief documentary (47 minutes), as part of the BBC series HORIZON, is interesting but fairly dry. Dawkins shows us many examples and explains how evolution works through different means. It's not as fascinating as you would find Carl Sagan's COSMOS (1980) but then Sagan was a master at teaching in a way that fills you with awe and wonder. Dawkins is more straightforward and lacks that excitement that can be so engaging. But what he excels at is bringing forth his convictions. The man knows his stuff and he wants very much for you to know it, too. Besides, you'll get a kick out of seeing Dawkins so young and sportin' them sexy legs.