Hardcore (1969)

Filmed in Nevadas barren Black Rock Desert in July 1969 Hard Core opens with an establishing shot of an expansive blue sky immediately evoking the American West which sets the scene for De Marias innovative and experimental film The work intercuts two differing cinematic approaches one that explores the observational potential of the medium through wideangle 360degree shots that pan over the changing desert landscape and the other that appropriates familiar visual tropes taken from the Hollywood Western movie genresuch as pistols Levis jeans boot spurs and leather chapsand implements them in a performance The soundtrack is an edited compilation of two of De Marias drum compositions Cricket Music 1964 and Ocean Music 1968 which creates a sense of anticipation for the viewer In the last minute of the film a series of unexpected events unfolds in rapid succession producing a dramatic climax