Filmed in the coal country of West Virginia, "Matewan" celebrates labor organizing in the context of a 1920s work stoppage. Union organizer, Joe Kenehan, a scab named "Few Clothes" Johnson and a sympathetic mayor and police chief heroically fight the power represented by a coal company and Matewan's vested interests so that justice and workers' rights need not take a back seat to squalid working conditions, exploitation and the bottom line.
Acting
James Earl Jones commands every frame he's in.
Direction
Sayles builds tension like a mine slowly filling with gas.
Cinematography
West Virginia never looked so hauntingly beautiful.
Director
John Sayles
Chris Cooper
Joe Kenehan
James Earl Jones
'Few Clothes' Johnson
Mary McDonnell
Elma Radnor
Will Oldham
Danny Radnor
David Strathairn
Police Chief Sid Hatfield
Ken Jenkins
Sephus Purcell
Kevin Tighe
Bill Hickey
Gordon Clapp
Tom Griggs
Bob Gunton
C.E. Lively
Jace Alexander
Hilllard Elkins
Joe Grifasi
Fausto
Nancy Mette
Bridey Mae Tolliver
Josh Mostel
Mayor Cabell Testerman
Gary McCleery
Ludie
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sayles financed this by writing creature features like Piranha and Alligator — horror paid for this labor epic.
The actual Matewan Massacre helped spark the West Virginia Mine Wars, the largest armed uprising in US labor history.
US
