In As Soon As Weather Will Permit my uncle shares the story of his participation in the atomic mission on August 5, 1945. It is the story of a soldier training without the knowledge of what he was training for — a story caught between an individual’s recollection and collective memory, personal testimonial and larger historical narratives. Constructed as a diptych, the visuals weave the stark landscapes of northwestern Utah with personal archive and historical footage, animation and aerial photography. The title refers to the edict from the US war department, stating that the first atomic bomb would be dropped as soon as weather will permit on one of four cities: Hiroshima, Kokura, Niigata, or Nagasaki. The two-screen presentation is inspired by the duality of nuclear fission and the dialogue between my uncle and me. Uncomfortable and haunting, this work is a meditation on memory, meaning and scientific discovery. As Einstein stated, that since the bombs were used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki “everything has changed except human thinking.” (Su Rynard)
This was a moving project to be a part of, not only because of the subject matter but also because of the personal connection director Su Rynard had with it. We worked very closely with her to devise a series of effects shots that spanned across two screens. From an atomic-level depiction of nuclear fission to CG bombers flying low over the salt flats of Utah, we brought an extra level of visuals to this contemplative piece.
