We (group #2 - April, Emanuel, and Jason) are presenting our Fifth Day Chronicle Project on the John Sayles' film, Matewan. This was a required activity for all Core students. We viewed this film on Monday, February 15, at 7:30 in Neils 234. This film related to the "Work and Play" unit that we were discussing in class.
The film chronicles a labor dispute near the mining town of Matewan, West Virginia in 1920. The plot follows a group of coal miners fighting for a union in order to liberate themselves from their corrupt employers. The miners initiate a labor strike while becoming divided even amongst themselves. Union activist Joe Kenehan attempts to unite the striking factions, which includes Black and Italian miners, along with the local workers. On May 19, 1920, the standoff turned bloody as gunmen from the Baldwin-Felts Mining Company are sent to quench the uprising. Ten people die in one of America's bloodiest gun fights.
Here are some other interesting materials from the movie Matewan:
Although the film is loaded with big stars like James Earl Jones and Chris Cooper, in the following review, Harvey O'Brien believes the film is successful because none of the characters appear to be the star of the film; thus, viewers can focus on the overall theme. However, Matewan's downfall comes from a heavy historical tone that frequently sacrifices the film's ability to maintain the audience's interest.
Matewan is a small town located in Mingo County, West Virginia. The Matewan
website refers to it as "a peaceful place with a violent history." We
are all well aware of this violent history - (the infamous gunfight
between the Baldwin-Felts mining company and the worker's union) - but
most people are unaware of this small West Virginian town. It has a gorgeous
landscape. It is situated near the Appalachin Mountains, and also has
many creeks and streams, along with a stable industry. The town of Matewan
was founded in 1895 by the Industrial Revolution's demand for coal in Matewan.
Currently, Matewan is adapting to how mother nature treats it. Matewan has undergone
numerous floods, such that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was mandated
to set up flood protection programs for the citizens. Although it may have
a frayed history, it still is a peaceful, developing town.
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