27 November 2009

'Evolution on film' event brings Darwin celebrations to a close

The D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum at the University of Dundee will conclude its Darwin 200 anniversary celebrations with a special ‘Evolution on Film’ presentation on Tuesday, December 1st.

Film enthusiasts Andrew Scott (University of St Andrews) and Matthew Jarron (University of Dundee) will be taking a look at the ways evolutionary theory has been depicted throughout the history of cinema.

Andrew, a marine biologist, will be taking a humorous look at whether the science in films like The Time Machine, Planet of the Apes and X-Men actually makes sense. Museum curator and film history tutor Matthew will be going back to early films made when Darwin's theories were still hotly contested and when ideas of eugenics were taking evolutionary theory down an increasingly sinister path.

'When cinema first began, Darwin's theories were highly controversial and many film companies found themselves attacked by local religious groups if they tried to suggest Man's link to apes,' explained Matthew.

'Today science-fiction films often seek to address our current fears about genetic manipulation, cloning and other issues based on evolutionary theory. The national Darwin 200 celebrations have been a great opportunity to highlight both the historical reception and the current significance of this major figure.'

The event takes place at 5.30pm in the Zoology Museum in the University’s Carnelley Building, and admission is free.

For further information call 01382 384310 or email museum@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277