On the Beach | Film Essay
The video On the Beach sheds light on the historical, political, and cultural implications of four events between 1941 and 2011 which involved the United States and other internal or external conflicting powers. The side-by-side images create an intense visual conversation, but also make it difficult for the viewer to focus wholly on one perspective at a time. The action and reaction of the events create a cognitive dissonance as the perceived truth or justice in each situation is called into question.
The film footage tells the tale of history being revised to meet the needs of persuasive political parties and religious leaders. Film is said to be a highly political medium because the lens of a camera and the frame of a screen are nothing but decisions—decisions made by the creators, revealing the world views which lie behind the camera and beyond the image. From this perspective, recent videos from news and media outlets take on a whole new meaning. Viewers encounter with startling contrast America’s fascination, almost fetishization, of war violence, and the idea of enacted 'justice.'
My role as the artist became breaking down the nationalist belief that the U.S. is making the best—and morally correct— choice in defending the borders and ideals of our nation. Viewers see mistakes made and tragedy played out on either side.
I do not claim to own any rights to the music or video footage in this film. Any copyrighted material in the video is appropriated for artistic and critical purposes only, without the intent to profit.
