Coalfields (1984): cast, story & where to watch
1984 · Film · ★ 10
Released in 1984, Coalfields is a notable film directed by Bill Brand, running about 39 minutes.
What it’s about. West Virginia industrial landscapes are collaged on an optical printer through a series of jagged shapes that transform the photographed scenes into a semi-abstract kinetic field. The technique developed by Brand in his earlier films, extends the already complex visual idiom by inlaying social, sexual, personal and political subject matter. Woven into the fabric of the film is the story of Fred Carter, a retired coal miner and black lung activist who was framed by the Federal Government in its effort to undercut the black lung movement and to stop his bid for president of the United Mine Workers Association. His story is told through fragments of documentary interviews and by a poet whose narrative forms a counter theme within the film. The film’s thematic content and formal visualizations sit in precarious balance.
How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, Coalfields sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Coalfields page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Coalfields (1984)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Coalfields change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Coalfields worth watching?
- Coalfields holds an audience score of 10.0 out of 10. Most viewers rate it highly.
- When was Coalfields released?
- Coalfields was released in 1984, with a runtime of about 39 minutes.