Drama ·History · United States of America · 1987 · 2h 12m

Matewan

Matewan poster
Director
John Sayles
Cast
Chris Cooper as Joe Kenehan James Earl Jones as 'Few Clothes' Johnson Mary McDonnell as Elma Radnor Will Oldham as Danny Radnor David Strathairn as Police Chief Sid Hatfield Ken Jenkins as Sephus Purcell
Crew
Haskell Wexler — Director of Photography Sonya Polonsky — Editor Mason Daring — Original Music Composer John Sayles — Writer Peggy Rajski — Producer Maggie Renzi — Producer
Tagline

It takes more than guns to kill a man.

Synopsis

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.

Trailer Matewan — Official Trailer
Official Trailer youtube.com
Mood & Themes
traitorbased on true storywest virginiagun battleracismpreacherdouble crosslabor organizerlabor unioncoal miningworkers union1920s
Key Collaborators
John Sayles Director Haskell Wexler Director of Photography Sonya Polonsky Editor Mason Daring Original Music Composer John Sayles Writer Peggy Rajski Producer Maggie Renzi Producer Nora Chavooshian Production Design
Follow the Thread

John Sayles directed Matewan. Explore their complete filmography and the collaborators who shaped their vision.

John Sayles's filmography → More Drama → More History → Haskell Wexler's cinematography →
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