Titicut Follies Movie Analysis

Barbara Kopple's practice of direct cinema is different from the pure detached style used in Titicut Follies. Harlan County shows multiple aspects of the protest and the director Barbara Kopple also participate in the movement as well. I didn't know any background information about Harlan County strike before I watched this documentary and I was impressed by director's perspective on women's role in this protest. Barbara Kopple let us see who else is struggling behind the scene and Kopple's voice can be heard in the film, which reminds us of the participation of filmmaker. It is different from Frederick Wiseman that in Titicut Follies, there's no trace of filmmakers. After watching the film, I was also surprise that women had essential role

in the strike and I noticed that the director dedicated the majority of the documentary to let us see their power. Another aspect I remember from the film is the music. The songs in the documentary reflect the shouts of miners and their families through folk rhyme. They play together with death and tears and the jolly rhythm indicates the optimism of local miners. The lyrics of the song question the working condition of miners and these songs are often sung by women. I can feel the complex emotion behind, sadness mixed with anger and hope. The lyric that says, "Which side are you on" hovers around my head. Similar to the ending of Titicut Follies, the ending is truly ironic that it echoes the opening scene that miners are transported into the coalmine and it seems nothing has changed significantly in their working conditions.