Matewan

Based on the bloody Matewan, West Virginia massacre in the 1920's between the coal company and a fledgling group of coal miners who are considering forming a union, John Sayles' new film is a powerful tale of the exploitation of man by man. The film follows the trials of Joe (Chris Cooper), a young union man who galvanizes the Matewan workers into standing up for their rights. But it is a long struggle. When the company henchmen move in, the resulting standoff is constantly disrupted by skirmishes, until--human nature being what it is--the town erupts in violence. An excellent cast ensemble includes memorable performances by Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, and Will Oldham. As a director, Sayles (Return of the Secaucus Seven, Lianna, Brother From Another Planet) continues to mature. Highly recommended. (See DOLLS for availability). [Blu-ray/DVD Review—Nov. 5, 2019—Criterion, 133 min., PG-13, DVD: 2 discs, $29.99; Blu-ray: $39.99—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1987’s Matewan features a great transfer with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include 2013 audio commentary by writer-director John Sayles and cinematographer Haskell Wexler, the 'making-of' featurettes 'Sacred Words' (32 min.) and 'Union Dues' (26 min.), a 'Them That Work' production short, interviews with composer Mason Daring (19 min.) and production designer Nora Chavooshian (15 min.), and an essay by critic A. S. Hamrah. Bottom line: a luminous edition of this contemporary classic from indie filmmaker John Sayles.]