the bomb

An associative history of the atom bomb, told via a mixture of historical and contemporary footage edited together, deliberately eschewing a strict chronology. A death machine celebrated in bombastic military parades by the nuclear states, the film’s material shows how the bomb has lost none of its power and perverse fascination as Indians, North Koreans and British, all in their respective military uniforms, march in unison with their heads held high. Time and again, mushroom-shaped balls of fire are seen exploding into the sky, radiating bright flashes during atomic tests with pigs, sheep and monkeys in the desert of Nevada or out over the open sea. This film has no commentary; rather, its experimental montage is designed to create connections and encourage us to give pause for thought. Making use of archive footage from an era when ‘duck and cover’ films were broadcast on US television, The Bomb recalls a time when it was naively believed that radiation could be removed with detergent. A film that aims to provoke and disturb the viewer. An appeal to all of us not to give up the dream of a world free of these weapons.