Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment 1986
Bruce Nauman's *Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment* (1986) dives into the raw, absurd extremes of human conflict through a deceptively simple lens—a middle-class dining table serving as the battleground.
Director: Bruce Nauman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment* (1986) about?
This short experimental film by Bruce Nauman stages a domestic dispute that spirals into increasingly ridiculous and aggressive slapstick behavior. Set around a dining table, it explores how quickly tensions can escalate, blending humor with unsettling observations about human nature.
Who directed *Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment*?
Bruce Nauman directed this provocative short film as part of his broader exploration of human behavior and emotion.
Who stars in *Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment*?
The cast includes two unnamed actors portraying a man and a woman, whose escalating conflict drives the film's narrative.
Is *Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment* (1986) worth watching?
While unconventional, the film offers a sharp, humorous take on aggression and gender dynamics. Its experimental nature may not appeal to all viewers, but it's a compelling piece for fans of avant-garde cinema seeking thought-provoking shorts.
How long is *Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment*?
The runtime is 30 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment (1986) — Slapstick Violence Through Bruce Nauman's Lens
Bruce Nauman's *Violent Incident: Man-Woman, Segment* (1986) dives into the raw, absurd extremes of human conflict through a deceptively simple lens—a middle-class dining table serving as the battleground. What begins as a mundane domestic setting spirals into a slapstick yet unsettling clash between a man and a woman, their gestures growing ever more erratic and cartoonish. Nauman masterfully blends humor with tension, exposing how easily provocations escalate into chaotic outbursts, all while inviting viewers to question their own reactions to anger and confrontation.
The 30-minute video work, steeped in the experimental art tradition, transforms raw emotion into something almost farcical, challenging perceptions of violence and gender roles. By stripping back the scenario to its most basic elements, Nauman underscores the fragility of civility—and the ridiculousness inherent in our most explosive moments. It's a provocative, thought-provoking piece that lingers long after the screen fades to black.