The Revisionaries (2012)

The theory of evolution and a re-write of American history are caught in the crosshairs when an unabashed Creationist seeks re-election as chairman of America's most influential Board of Education.

Director:

Scott Thurman

Writers:

Jawad Metni, Scott Thurman

1 win & 1 nomination.

Storyline

The theory of evolution and a re-write of American history are caught in the crosshairs when an unabashed Creationist seeks re-election as chairman of America's most influential Board of Education.

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Plot Keywords:

evolution | board of education | conservative | austin texas | texas | 

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Genres:

Documentary | History | News

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 April 2012 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$2,608 (USA) (5 October 2012)

Gross:

$21,731 (USA) (25 January 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Silver Lining Film Group, Magic Hour Entertainment, Naked Edge Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Science and Politics

The interpretation of language is at the center of Scott Thurman's engaging documentary about the Texas Board of Education's meetings to discuss the school curriculum. In 2009 the hot topic was the teaching of evolutionary theory in science classes.

The head of the board at the time was dentist Don McLeroy, a creationist who believes that the Earth was created just 6000 years ago. He once publicly stated that 'education is too big a subject not to be politicized." What he really wants to see is science textbooks highlighting doubts about the theory of evolution. His arguments are couched in scientific terms but it doesn't take much scratching beneath the surface to see the political angle. Although it's clear that the director's sympathies lie with the scientists complaining that creationists are trying to hijack the curriculum, what's remarkable is how McLeroy is treated sympathetically, portrayed as man who has firm beliefs and just wants those to be taught to others.

What emerges is not just a discussion on religion but a sterling look at local government and how incredibly important and fundamental decisions are being made with very little democratic mandate. Less than 20 per cent of the electorate voted in the last board elections. Most decisions it seems are last minute fudges where turn of phrase becomes paramount. Yet the fascinating arguments over science classes have nothing on the 2010 discussions on social studies, where suggestions range from replacing 'hip hop' with 'country music' and one board member trying to insist on the use of the middle name Hussein when citing President Barack Obama. Without board approval, Texas schools cannot buy textbooks, and the publishers won't print non-approved books. It's a documentary in the great traditions of Errol Morris highlighting the politicization of education and culture and how the pursuit of knowledge is obstructed by ideological dogma.

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