Harlan County USA (1976) Review
Unveiling the Coal Miners' Struggle
Harlan County, USA is a compelling documentary that delves into the heart of Kentucky's coal mining culture, bringing to light the struggles and triumphs of the miners and their families. Directed by Barbara Kopple, the film offers an unflinching look at the lives of these hard-working individuals, highlighting their perseverance despite the hardships they faced both on and off the job.
The documentary, set in Harlan County, Kentucky, revolves around a 1973 coal miners' strike in an effort to secure safer working conditions and fair wages. Through a series of interviews, archival footage, and first-hand accounts, Kopple and the crew capture the gritty reality of the coal miners' fight against corporate greed and exploitation. The film reveals the harsh working conditions of the mining industry in the 1970s and provides a revealing look at the power dynamics between big companies and blue-collar workers.
In creating Harlan County, USA, Kopple aimed to shed light not only on the challenging and intense labor of coal mines but also on the resilient spirit of the community. The documentary successfully captures the solidarity and determination of the workers, making it an enduring and influential film in the realm of documentary cinema.
Director's Vision
Barbara Kopple's Involvement
Barbara Kopple, an acclaimed documentarian and director, was the driving force behind the creation of the Harlan County USA documentary. Her dedication and tenacity in capturing the real-life struggles of coal miners and their families with the film crew brought the story to the forefront. From the outset, director Barbara Kopple's role was hands-on directing and producing, but also included her crew and her active presence on the picket lines alongside the miners.
Filmmaking Approach
Barbara Kopple approached Harlan County USA innovatively and with empathy with her film crew. Her utilization of cinematography was pivotal in telling the miners' story, as she immersed herself in their lives and communities to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. Barbara Kopple collaborated with editor Nancy Baker and ensured the final product presented a seamless and emotional portrayal of the miner's strike and its effects on the community.
Armed with a keen eye for truth and a compassionate understanding of the human condition, Barbara Kopple's directorial vision for Harlan County USA produced a documentary that not only informed but also deeply moved its audience.
Historical Context
The Coal Mining Industry in Kentucky
In the early 20th century, the coal mine industry in Kentucky experienced significant growth with each corporation dedicated to higher profits. The state, and particularly Harlan County, became a major coal-producing region. By the 1970s, however, the industry faced numerous challenges due to economic, social, and environmental factors. Technological advancements led to decreased demand for human labor, resulting in job losses and reduced wages for many miners.
The United Mine Workers of America
The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) played a crucial role in the lives of coal miners during this period. Established in 1890, the UMWA became the largest and most powerful union for coal miners in the United States. The organization was responsible for negotiating fair wages, working conditions, and benefits for its members, including those in Harlan County, Kentucky.
In the 1970s, the UMWA faced an internal split, with some members advocating for a more aggressive approach to securing better conditions for miners. This schism within the union eventually led to the election of a new line of leadership that would come to play a significant role in the events of the 1970s miners' strike.
Significance of the 1970s Miners' Strike
The 1970s miners' strike in Harlan County, Kentucky, was a pivotal moment in the history of the coal mine industry and the labor movement. The miners' dissatisfaction with their dwindling wages and working conditions energized the strike into a protracted and often violent struggle between unionized miners, mine operators, and other stakeholders.
The strike was marked by numerous incidents of violence, including:
Physical confrontations between strikers, strikebreakers, and law enforcement
Cases of intimidation and harassment directed at miners and their families
Fatalities and injuries resulting from clashes between opposing groups
As a result of the strike, many aspects of the coal mine industry and labor movement in the United States changed. The UMWA saw a decline in membership, and the general public became more aware of the dangers faced by miners in their pursuit of better working conditions. Additionally, the 1970s miners' strike served as a rallying point for workers in other industries, inspiring them to stand up for their rights and demand improvements in their own workplaces.
Main Events
The Brookside Strike
The Brookside Strike was a pivotal event in the Harlan County USA documentary, featuring the miners at the Brookside Mine, near the small Kentucky town. The strike began when the miners demanded improved working conditions and better wages. In response, the mine corporation dedicated its energies to hiring scabs to replace the striking workers, exacerbating tensions in the community.
The Role of Miners and Their Families
Miners and their families played a crucial role in the strike. The documentary shows that miners were determined to fight for their rights, while their wives and children supported them throughout the ordeal, each community fighting to survive. Miners' wives, and women in particular, were featuring, forming barricades and joining protests with their husbands in their bid for democracy. Their involvement added emotional weight to the cause and united the community in pursuing fair treatment for the miners.
The Outbreak of Violence
Unfortunately, the strike led to an outbreak of violence in Harlan County. As tensions escalated, the mine's management employed company thugs to intimidate strikers into submission. Despite the risks, the miners and their families refused to back down, leading to a series of violent clashes. Some of these events included:
Shootouts between strikers and armed goons
Physical altercations between miners and scabs
Aggressive confrontations with the local police
This violence persisted throughout the grueling coal miners strike, adding a dark element to the documentary and showcasing the lengths the miners were willing to go to protect their rights.
Critical Themes
Labor Rights and Exploitation
In Harlan County, USA, one of the primary themes explored is labor rights and exploitation. The documentary brings to light the harsh reality in which miners and their families lived, focusing on their struggle to have their basic rights respected. The striking workers sought improvements in working conditions, fair wages, and recognition of their union.
These issues led to the pivotal Brookside walkout and attendent thirteen month struggle with the community fighting to survive. Workers' rights were constantly under threat, with the coal company, owned by Duke Power, refusing to make reasonable concessions or even consider the demands put forth by the striking miners. The exploitative nature of the coal industry became clearer as the documentary outlined the various ways in which Duke Power profits from their labor without addressing their rights and well-being.
Key entities in the documentary that pertain to or support this theme include:
Strike: The Brookside walkout, which became a thirteen month struggle, was a significant turning point in the labor rights struggle of the miners.
Workers' rights: The basic rights that the miners sought, such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and union recognition.
Union: The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), who fought to represent the miners and secure their rights.
Power Dynamics Between Workers and Owners
Another critical theme analyzed in the documentary is the power dynamics between workers and owners. The documentary illustrates how management perpetuated a system in which miners were forced to endure oppressive working conditions and paltry wages, solely to enrich the owners of the coal company.
Throughout the documentary, it becomes evident that there was a stark imbalance in power between the miners and the owners, who used tactics to suppress and control the workers. A table of key actors and their roles in this power dynamic:
The issues related to power dynamics further compound the barriers faced by workers in the community fighting their struggle for basic rights and fair treatment. Duke Power's refusal to recognize the miner's union led to a prolonged confrontation with local police during the strike, with workers risking their livelihoods and safety in the pursuit of justice. The power dynamics between workers and owners are an essential aspect of understanding the underlying causes of conflict in Harlan County, USA.
Cultural Impact
Songs and Music of the Documentary
The soundtrack of Harlan County, USA features a haunting soundtrack of traditional and original music that seamlessly complements the documentary's themes. Bluegrass artists Hazel Dickens, a folk singer and social activist, contributed several songs to the film, most notably "They'll Never Keep Us Down" and "Black Lung." Dickens' heartbreaking record and powerful lyrics capture the miners' and their families' struggles and resilience, transforming the haunting soundtrack itself into a unifying thread throughout the documentary.
In addition to Dickens' original work, the film incorporates a variety of traditional union songs that emphasize the historical and cultural roots of the miners' struggle as another heartbreaking record. The inclusion of Merle Travis' "Dark as a Dungeon" and "Sixteen Tons" reflects the harsh working conditions and economic exploitation experienced by miners. The use of music in Harlan County, USA goes beyond mere background noise; it serves as a form of protest and solidarity, giving voice to the miners and their community.
Influence on Labor Movement and Documentaries
Harlan County, USA not only had an impact on the world of documentary film but also played a significant role in catalyzing the American labor movement. The film's release in 1976 brought national attention to the miners' strike, which in turn led to a resurgence of interest in workers' rights and unionization. Furthermore, it inspired other filmmakers to tackle themes related to labor struggles, economic disparity, and social justice.
One such filmmaker is Michael Moore, who has acknowledged the influence of Harlan County, USA on his work. Known for his confrontational style and dedication to exposing injustice, Moore's documentaries such as Roger & Me and Fahrenheit 9/11 share similar themes and stylistic approaches with Harlan County, USA. Both films utilize raw footage and firsthand interviews to tell their stories, placing emphasis on the human experience while presenting a clear and concise narrative.
The film's cultural impact extends beyond the world of documentary filmmaking. Harlan County, USA continues to be celebrated for its significance in labor history and documentary cinema, with several honors and awards over time. In 1990, the film was inducted into the National Film Registry, and in 2000, it was awarded the Best Documentary Feature at the Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, the film is often screened at various film festivals and labor events, paying tribute to the lives and struggles of the Harlan County miners and their families.
Reception and Legacy
Awards and Recognitions
Harlan County, USA received widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 1976. The documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, showcasing its significant impact and importance in portraying the struggles of miners and their families during the 1970s. It was also showcased at the prestigious New York Film Festival.
In addition to the Oscar, the film garnered numerous other accolades and recognitions. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert praised the documentary, giving it a glowing review and emphasizing its emotional power and raw portrayal of the hardships faced by the miners.
Inclusion in National Film Registry
The importance and cultural impact of Harlan County, USA have not gone unnoticed in the years after its release. In a testament to its enduring significance, the National Film Registry selected the documentary for preservation in 1990. This honor recognizes films that are considered to be of "cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance."
Furthermore, Harlan County, USA was also included in the prestigious Criterion Collection, further cementing its status as a timeless and essential piece of documentary filmmaking.
Technical Aspects
Documentary Cinematography
The cinematography in Harlan County, USA stands out as an essential component in effectively conveying the story of the miners' strike. Shot on 16mm film, the documentary captures the grittiness and raw emotion of the events that unraveled. The use of handheld camera work immerses the viewer in the miners' struggle, bringing a sense of realism and urgency to the documentary.
Frame composition: The filmmakers showcase a variety of shots, ranging from wide-angle views of the mining landscape to intimate close-ups of the miners and their families. This variety illustrates the vastness of the issue while also humanizing the individual stories.
Lighting: Harlan County, USA relies mostly on natural lighting, which enhances the documentary's authentic feel and unfiltered portrayal of the strike.
Camera movement: Smooth and deliberate camera movements contribute to the documentary's coherent narrative, while occasional shaky footage adds to the tension and chaos during confrontational moments.
Editing and Narrative Structure
Helmed by editor Nancy Baker, the documentary's editing and narrative structure play pivotal roles in maintaining viewer engagement throughout the documentary. The pacing is well-balanced, steadily building anticipation while providing ample time to explore the many facets of the miners' strike.
Chronological order: Harlan County, USA unfolds in a linear fashion, which aids in the viewer's understanding of the events and their impact on the community.
Juxtaposition: Baker skillfully intercuts scenes from the strike with interviews, archival footage, and protest songs, enabling the audience to grasp the broader context and historical background of the issues at hand.
Use of music: The documentary features traditional coal-mining ballads, reinforcing the regional cultural identity and serving as a powerful auditory backdrop to the miners' fight for justice.
Educational Value
Harlan County USA in Academic Discussions
Harlan County, USA, a documentary directed by Barbara Kopple, showcases the significant historical events that occurred during the American miners' labor strike in the 1970s. As an educational resource, this documentary provides valuable insights into the history of unions in the United States, the labor strike, and the coal mine industry.
The documentary portrays the struggle of the miners and their families in Harlan County, Kentucky, as they fight for better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to unionize. It illustrates the role that unions played in advocating for workers' rights and the challenges they faced from powerful mining companies.
Through the lens of the labor strike, educators can discuss the broader implications of this historical event as it relates to the coal mine industry throughout the 20th century. This documentary highlights the drastic changes within the industry, such as advancements in technology, and demonstrates how these shifts impacted working conditions and employee livelihoods.
Here are a few key topics that can be covered when using Harlan County, USA in an academic setting:
History of unions in the United States
Early labor unions and their development
Influence of unions on working conditions and labor laws
Challenges faced when advocating for workers' rights
Labor strike in Harlan County
Causes and consequences of the strike
Tactics used by both miners and mining companies
Role of outside organizations in supporting the strike
Coal mining industry
Evolution of the industry over the 20th century
Impact of technological advancements on mining practices
Role of coal mines in regional and national economies
Harlan County, USA is an engaging educational tool that encourages critical analysis and discussion of historical and contemporary issues surrounding unions, labor strikes, and the coal mining industry. By incorporating this documentary into academic discussions, educators can effectively engage students in a deeper understanding and appreciation of these complex topics.
Release and Distribution
Formats and Editions
The documentary, Harlan County USA, has been made available in various formats and editions over the years since its release in 1976. This section covers the most significant releases that have resonated with audiences worldwide.
In 2006, the renowned Criterion Collection released a special edition DVD of Harlan County USA. This release is widely recognized for its high-quality transfer and audio, giving viewers an enhanced experience of the documentary. The DVD includes various additional features such as audio commentary, documentaries featuring more on the making of the documentary, and a booklet with essays about the documentary's impact and significance.
The documentary can also be found on various streaming platforms in English, ensuring that it is accessible to audiences across the globe. This availability is crucial, as it helps maintain the documentary's relevance and influence in contemporary times.
It is essential to note that the documentary has a PG rating (Parental Guidance suggested) due to the sensitive nature of its content and themes. This rating serves as a guideline for parents to determine whether the documentary is suitable for their children.
The various formats and editions of Harlan County USA ensure that the documentary remains accessible and relevant to new audiences. The Criterion Collection release, in particular, showcases the continuing significance and artistic quality of the documentary for cinema enthusiasts and educators alike.
