After
watching the documentary "Born Into Coal," I realized the harsh
reality that coal miners had to face. Between the brutal work and the
suffocating work space, these men and women battle a hard life. In addition,
they also have to face unsafe working conditions that leave short and long-term
side-effects. The images showed the lifestyle and the coal mining industry with
new light. Both in a metaphorical and literal sense, as the documentary
utilized dim lighting which casted a ominous shadow to the show. Stylistically,
there were many changes to the documentary that changed the feel of it.
How
it began with the story of Ariana and came back to her brought forward a more
relatable feel to the piece. Coming from California, I don’t know much about
coal mining but her story made me feel like I could understand it; it became
personal. When I think of an eight-hour workday, I think of a nine to five job,
something in an office, something that I honestly would hate; I never
considered working in a dark, cold, mine. I never considered how these people’s
lives are at steak because of our need of an energy source. There are also many
hazards that come with the job. With more than seven percent of miners
contracting “black lung,” the risk involved in a mining occupation doesn’t only
affect the workers, but also their family. What I expected from the piece was
not what I came away with at all. I expected a pro-coal documentary, something
I would not really be able to relate to or actually understand. I was
pleasantly surprised by the smooth transitions and unique storyboarding and
overall planning.
