Crossroads

After the Second World War the United States knew what the effects were of an atomic explosion on a city of civilians, but information about the impacts of the explosion on military technology was still lacking. The army therefore proceeded to conduct tests using out-of-service boats. They chose the bay of Bikini Atoll for the testing, and the operation was given the name Crossroads. Conner's film uses material that was shot during an underwater atomic explosion, when several cameras were used to record the explosion from various distances. These hypnotizing images, with fascinating energy, are underscored by minimalist music composed by Patrick Gleeson and Terry Riley.