Atomic Café

On the basis of a number of radio programmes, cartoons and propaganda films, atomic café shows how the American government and the media tried to sway public opinion in the fifties. Without exception the material had a reassuring tone that sought to disguise the horrible effects of nuclear weapons from the public. In this compilation, however, the material loses its intended effect on the viewer, the images even have a completely contrary effect. The film is experienced as absurd and even extremely cynical. Large crowds flocked to the cinemas to watch it and the film was quite successful abroad, too. Atomic café dealt an unexpected blow to the image of the American government at the time.