Filmmaker and artist Harun Farocki examined the efficacy and ubiquity of pictorial material in situations of crisis. His video project ›Serious Games‹ sheds light on the use of computer-game technology in training American soldiers – both as preparation for combat and in the treatment of traumatic experiences. In ›Watson is Down‹ four Marines are preparing for the worst on a US Marine base in 29 Palms, California. Sitting at computers, they simulate driving a tank through Afghan territory. The animated computer landscape provides geographical data about Afghanistan and thus enables detailed field training and strategic exercises. The trainers place explosive devices and “insurgents” into the terrain. Watson, the aerial gunner on the tank, is shot by a sniper and does not survive the mission.
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