Matewan **** (1987, Chris Cooper, Mary McDonnell, Will Oldham, David Strathairn, Ken Jenkins, Kevin Tighe, James Earl Jones) – Classic Movie Review 6370

Writer-director John Sayles’s outstanding film is a meaty and intelligent drama about a violent clash between a West Virginia 1920s coal company and striking miners who win the support of their fellow workers.

Long at 132 minutes, but gripping throughout, it is powerfully written by Sayles from his own novel Union Dues and directed by Sayles who, sensibly, firstly makes sure that it is a people drama and secondly deals with the political issues without sending obvious messages.

It is extraordinarily well acted by a large, distinguished ensemble cast headed by Chris Cooper, Mary McDonnell, Will Oldham, David Strathairn, Ken Jenkins, Kevin Tighe and James Earl Jones.

It is beautifully filmed by cinematographer Haskell Wexler, who landed the film’s sole Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography.

And it is still probably Sayles’s best film to date. He pops up in a cameo as a preacher and co-wrote the songs.

It is produced by Peggy Rajski and Maggie Renzi, and designed by Nora Chavooshian. Maggie Renzi also appears as Rosaria, and Gary McCleery, Josh Mostel, Jo Henderson, Nancy Mette, Joe Grifasi, Jace Alexander, Bob Gunton and Gordon Clapp are also in the cast.

Sayles has two Oscar nominations for Best Screenplay – for Passion Fish (1992) and Lone Star (1996).

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 6370

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