Coal Country

Coal Country Film Review

This observational film presents an unhosted, unnarrated, look at coal minning. It attempts to show both sides of the issue of coal. More specifically it narrows in on West Virginia and looks at how both sides view what is happening.

The film, while it attemps to show this unbiased look at coal mining is clearly an anti-mining film. Through several locals it shows how bad coal mining has been for the local communities in the area. One character, explains how the eleven bedroom home he built for his family has been devalued by the coal mining in the area so much that it isn't worth much more than 12,000 dollars today. Another lady explains how they are continually getting dusted by coal in their neighborhood. Yet another explains that she can not use her drinking water because the coal mining has polluted her waterways.

The mining argument is presented by an environmental protection officer for the coal company. He presents a great look at how coal companies are trying to reclaim the land after the mountains are stripped. He shows areas that are being reclaimed and points out how hard is trying to do a good job with the coal mining.

What I feel the film does very well is show that both sides of the issue want the same thing. They want a better life. As Evernden from the "Social Creation of Nature" would emphasize, this is the crux of the environmental debate. Environmentalists and industrialists are pushing for the same thing, a better life. Environmentalists just see the pollution of nature as the threat and the industrialists see the loss of jobs as the threat.

When it comes down to it though, Coal Country exposes a very real truth. The social structure of the towns where coal are mined are being shaped by how people view this one issue. To those working in the mines, they see the mines as a way of life, and any pollution that must happen as an unfortunate by product of doing good for the community and bringing in jobs. Those that oppose it feel that the natural body of the land needs saving.

Finally, the film brings up a very interesting look at how religion may be playing a very important role in how the people see the issues. For example, at the end of the film, it shows an anti-coal activist praying with a group. She prays that she hopes we can protect that which god gave us. It is interesting that this religious stance has come in when it does. While the other sides religious views are not seen, it might be expected that they see the land and the coal within as something God has given them to utilize and exploit.

Clearly the issue of coal comes down to societies view of what nature is. I strongly recommend this full feature film to anyone interested both in environmental films and those interested in observational pieces.

Coal Country Trailer