Series of three tapes: see also: Das Propellerband / Das Duracellband / Das Alliertenband
In this series of three tapes with the ultimate ironic title of 'Warum wir Männer die Technik so lieben (Why we Men adore Technology), vom Bruch questions technology's nature and its goals. Technology (which, it is often assumed, will help us build a better world) is also a weapon that leads to destruction and oppression. All too often, technological developments have their origins in the machinery of warfare. Equally technology is often propagated and introduced to 'man' as if it were per se seductive, desirable and even erotic. Vom Bruch demonstrates this by means of technology itself. Through his virtuoso editing he reduces sequences of images to just a few seconds. …he soundtrack (which is loud, severe and almost physically tangible) imbues the images with extra power.
* Das Propellerband (1979, 31 mins.)
Images of an oriental woman, a landing strip and a plane taking off are edited alongside a film fragment in which a propeller is being cranked. The resulting montage is alternated with images of the artist's face. The rotating blades of the propeller form the basis of the rumbling and monotonous soundtrack. Vom Bruch transforms technology into what is almost a living and autonomous organism. Almost, because it is no coincidence that he too appears on screen...
* Das Duracellband (1980, 10 mins.)
In this tape, the battery, the food of technology and technology itself, is imbued with a power of its own. The accelerating rhythm and eafening sound of the battery's rapidly and constantly repeated images define all the other images: from inane and 'innocent' toys that are totally dependent on batteries to the bombing of Nagasaki. Because of these images'juxtaposition, the toys lose their innocence and the air strike is shown to be the consequence of a stupid and even fatal mechanism.
* Das Alliertenband (1982, 10 mins.)
Images of bombed cities flash past to the sound of military music. Vom Bruch tries to go beyond these images'negativity (and the less than optimistic associations they unleash) by again appearing on screen himself in a way which evokes a sensitive and introspective atmosphere. a quote from Marx, which is literally included in the image, speaks for itself within the context of Das Alliertenband. It reads: 'Wenn sich die menschliche Beziehungen nicht ändern, dann fängt die gleiche Scheisse von vorne an'. ('When human relations remain unchanged, then history repeats itself with the same old shit.') Read more...