Viewers of Optics

"Observing events through an optical instrument places the observer in a unique position in that he can follow the course of events closely but from a reasonably safe distance. In Viewers of Optics, we are told about just such an authentic eye-witness report. Before us stands a desolate landscape. A voice off-screen delivers a poetic account of a disaster which has overtaken this area. Through bits and pieces of witnesses' accounts, we hear of a murder committed, the destruction of nature, etc. It is this sensation of observing from a safe distance, combined with electronic music by Pierre Henry, that makes Viewers of Optics so impressive to watch. But Viewers of Optics offers more than this : the objects, landscapes and spaces observed in this way become at the same time signs and metaphors for the reality of inner silence."

Henry Kamphizen