The Hole Story

Filmmakers Richard Desjardins and Robert Monderie's The Hole Story offers a lively look at the Canadian mining industry, combining a wide array of archival materials with interviews to present an activist essay on the devastation wrought on both people and the environment through unfettered capitalism. During the 19th century, monopolistic companies reaped incredible profits while polluting the land and creating unsafe working conditions. The Hole Story examines each of the most productive mines (along with the towns they spawned), with special attention paid to the extraction of nickel, which was of enormous importance at the turn of the century, when it became increasingly apparent that the stainless steel used in ships and weapons helped to contribute to success in war. The second half of the documentary deals with 20th-century social issues, such as the struggle for improved conditions for miners, and workforce declines in the wake of expanding technology. The filmmakers argue that it is the responsibility of the mining companies—now powerful international conglomerates—to contribute to the cleanup costs for contaminated areas and to the tax base of the communities near their sites. Mayors and activists speak about the need to compel corporations to pay their fair share, although political connections at higher levels continue to impede efforts. The Hole Story is an unabashed polemic against corporate greed and malfeasance, but it's also a compelling film that offers much historical evidence while making its argument. Presented in both English and French versions, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)