Assignment 1: Opinion Essay

"Electronic Moon #2"

Nam June Paik

Just as a melody in music uses repetition throughout a composition, Nam June Paik's "Electronic Moon #2," gives a rippling effect of sound with the calming presence of piano keys. As the shot opens, a blank screen is visible, but the music encourages the viewer to listen intently and watch for movement on the screen. His introduction welcomes many as he speaks in more than one language setting the stage for a production. The first shot of water compliments the music beautifully, as the delicate ripples play on screen. The mesmerizing effect of water transitions into a flickering presence of a round shape that one could assume is the "moon." The water is mimicked as movement progresses into a quarter of the moon and spots of color are added. There is a transition between the round object and an amoeba like image flashing to life. Finally, a person's profile appears as the man in the moon? Then a flash of silverware transitioning into another shot of a breast in profile, the feminine quality to the moon. Then a hand comes into view, making contact with the breast, feminine meets masculine? At the conclusion a light flickers and the film ends abruptly.

While I'd be curious to understand more about what June Paik is communicating to the viewer, it appears as if nature collides with technology in a confusing display of beauty and serenity. It is a calming film to watch, as an installation I can imagine people sitting in front of it for long periods of time, or at least that is what I would do. It is the kind of film that make a person wonder will the ending be different this time or will it still remain the same the third time I've watched it? The message it sends is likely one that confuses the viewer while at the same time satisfying an urge to relax and simply give the mind a rest.