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Matewan follows the vintage Sayles formula, depicting a large canvas of multi-generational, multi-cultural characters, most of whom are just basic, decent people struggling to make their way through lives compromised by their circumstances, diminished expectations, and the corruption going on around them.

In this case, the villains are the mining company's hired guns Hickey and Griggs (Sayles regulars Kevin Tighe and Gordon Clapp), and spy C.E. Lively (that always reliable snake-in-the-grass, Bob Gunton). The everymen/everywomen are the miners themselves, their wives, widows, and children (a large, and excellent, cast of Sayles regulars and semi-regulars, with standout performances by Mary McDonnell as Elma Radnor, the woman who runs the town's boarding house; David Strathairn as Police Chief Sid Hatfield; James Earl Jones as "Few Clothes" Johnson, leader of the Black scabs who are brought in to replace the striking local miners; and Will Oldham as Danny Radnor, Elma son, who is also one of the West Virginia miners and the town's softshell Baptist preacher).

Sayles himself has a cameo as Matewan's fire-and-brimstone hardshell Baptist preacher, and his long-time companion, Maggie Renzi, has a lovely supporting role as Rosaria, the wife of Fausto (Joe Grifasi), the leader of the Italian scabs, who, with their families, reside uneasily beside the displaced West Virginians.

One of my favorite "small" scenes, a knockout, features Renzi and Jo Henderson as Mrs. Elkins, mother of miner Hillard Elkins (Jace Alexander). In an environment in which the Italian, Blacks, and displaced Western Virginian families must stifle their animosities and share a camp, Mrs. Elkins offers Rosaria some bulbs for cooking, with the explanation that they are called "ramps." Not understanding a word of what has been said to her, Rosaria nonetheless conveys her perfect comprehension by taking the bulbs, breathing in their aroma, and murmuring, "E aglio" (it's garlic).

The heart and soul of Matewan is the quietly brilliant Chris Cooper, as Joe Kenehan, the union organizer who comes to aid the townspeople in their struggles against the injustices heaped upon them by the Stone Mountain Coal Company.

With its crackling good story, memorable performances, and the stunning cinematography of Sayles' frequent collaborator, Haskell Wexler, this astonishing little gem, for me, is, and always will be, like watching poetry: A MASTERPIECE.

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originally posted: 08/02/04 13:18:07
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