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Western Deep (2002) [N/A]

Release Date:
September 1, 2002

Original Title:
Western Deep

Genres:
Documentary

Production Countries:
United Kingdom

Ratings / Certifications:
 N/A

Runtime: 24

Overview from TheMovieDB

An exploration of the sensory experience of the TauTona gold mine in South Africa, showing migrant labourers working in dark, claustrophobic environments and the ear-splitting noise of drilling. The TauTona mine in South Africa, known as 'Western Deep' is the world's deepest gold mine. Employing more than 5,000 people, it operates twenty-four hours day. The film begins in complete darkness as the miners descend three-and-a-half kilometres underground. McQueen documents an intense work regime where the temperature can reach over ninety degrees celsius. Accompanied by jarring sounds created by the mechanical equipment, Western Deep is a hellish representation of labour that makes the silent resolve of the miners all the more powerful.

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Production

Director:
Steve McQueen

Director of Photography:
Sean Bobbitt

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