Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
2-2026
Document Type
Master's Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Liberal Studies
Advisor
Peter Hitchcock
Subject Categories
Film Production | Social and Cultural Anthropology | Visual Studies
Keywords
AutoTune, ExxonMobile, DecisionSpace365, Teapot Dome, BP
Abstract
Inventor and engineer Andy Hildebrand created the Landmark Graphics software workstation for processing seismic data used in oil exploration and the pitch-correcting software AutoTune used to adjust the notes of a vocalist both in live performing scenarios and post-production. Using these software as the case study, research was conducted via the making of a non-fiction film, titled Hammer of Eden, to ask how software designed to visualize unseen realties on a screen affects the perception and decision-making of the professional class which uses these types of software.
This paper theorizes concepts present in Hammer of Eden including how visualization software interacts with perception on the planes of politics, aesthetics, and labor relations.
Recommended Citation
Horner, Annie, "Hammer of Eden: Visualization Software and Cultures of Executive Decision-making" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6544
Included in
Film Production Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, Visual Studies Commons
