Looking for something great to stream while sheltering in place? The informative documentary Machines says a lot without needing to say much at all. This compelling film by Rahul Jain, covers the life of workers at a textile factory in India. With stunning cinematography and sound, the camera sweeps through the place, where very little dialogue is needed. We see people working with long strips of fabric, toiling away in the stifling heat.
The eyes speak volumes
The story can really be seen in their eyes. A weariness so profound, that no words are necessary. There is a scene where the camera closes in on a little boy who is trying to adjust fabric on a line. Despite his best efforts, he cannot keep his eyes open. They close and his head lowers towards the metal frame, making it seem that an accident is imminent. He wakes up, and sheepishly looks over at the camera, before nodding off again. Here is a kid who should be out playing or doing homework, but is likely one of the main supporters of his family back home.
This indictment of management is shown in interviews with the plant boss, who refuses to pay the workers a living wage or approve their requests for an 8-hour workday. Net we come to the head contractor resembling Jabba The Hut. This large evil-looking man with a giant misshaped head, talks while spittle collects at the corners of his mouth. He expresses absolute disdain for the people and threatens to hit anyone who dares to ask for better pay. In his words, we learn the reality that the workers have no real power or alternatives.
Near the end of the movie, an important scene occurs outside the plant where an advocate asks if we're just going to film, or actually do something about it. His helpless plea made me realize that the answer must come from us, the consumers of their hard labor. The power is in our hands to put the only pressure on management that they will understand, the power in our wallets. Machines is a wake-up call that real change is needed now, more than ever. This informative film is worth a watch.
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