Theme Song (1973)

In Theme Song Acconci uses video as closeup to establish a perversely intimate relation with the viewer creating a personal space in which to talk directly to and manipulate the spectator He is face to face with the viewer his head close against the video screen lying cozily on the floor Acconci writes The scene is a living room quiet private night the scene for a comeon I can bring my legs around wrapping myself around the viewer Im playing songs on a tape recorder I follow the songs up Im building a relationship Im carrying it through Smoking cigarettes he begins a seductive monologue as he plays theme songs by the Doors Bob Dylan Van Morrison Kris Kristofferson and others on a tape recorder The songs are a starting point for his comeons the tenor of his monologues shifts with the lyrics Of course I cant see your face I have no idea what your face looks like You could be anybody out there but theres gotta be somebody watching me