True Films 3.0 - Kevin Kelly

Atomic Cafe
This is a self portrait of nuclear bombs and atomic energy. It was assembled
from unaltered documentary clips produced by governmental
and industrial agencies during the 1940s and 50s and even 60s. We get
inside views of this iconic technology not usually seen. The parade of images
and voices are cinematic and riveting; at times nuclear is beautiful,
then silly, and then horrifying. Yet the narration of the time reflects a nonchalant
acceptance of atomic power as wholesome. On first viewing, this
montage of found visual evidence seem ridiculous, campy, kitsch. Could
anyone have believed it? But on second view the propaganda is stark and
scary. There’s no overt preaching in this film; only the words and images
of the time. I think this brilliant documentary should be mandatory for all
students.
By Jayne Loader, Kevin
Rafferty and Pierce
Rafferty
1982, 88 min.
Available from Amazon
Rent from Netflix
US soldiers practice storming a
just exploded atomic bomb in
Nevada. Injuries from Hiroshima
(below). A bomb is released in the
Bikini atoll to measure its effect on
empty navy ships (bottom).
A boy demonstrates the proper use of the radiation suit
invented by his father. He’ll then ride off on his bicycle.
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