Watch Barge

Barge is a documentary film that was released in 2015. The film follows a crew of workers who live and work on a barge that travels up and down the Mississippi River. Interspersed throughout the film are interviews with the various crew members, who share their stories and experiences of working on the river. The film is directed by Ben Powell, who takes a fly-on-the-wall approach to filming. There is no narration or commentary — the film simply shows the day-to-day activities of the crew, as they load and unload cargo, navigate the river, and deal with the challenges of working in a tight-knit community.

The crew members themselves are an interesting bunch. There's Mike, the barge captain, who has been working on the river for over 40 years. He is the de facto leader of the crew, and he takes his responsibilities seriously. There's also LaDonna, the cook, who keeps the crew fed with her hearty meals. And then there are the deckhands, who do the grunt work of loading and unloading cargo, tying up the barge, and maintaining the equipment.

One of the most striking things about Barge is how it portrays the crew's relationship with the river. For these workers, the Mississippi is both a source of income and a way of life. They have a deep respect for the river, and they understand its power and unpredictability. There are several scenes in the film that showcase the river's beauty, as well as its destructive force. In one particularly memorable scene, the crew navigates the barge through a storm, with lightning flashing in the distance and waves crashing against the sides of the vessel.

The film also delves into the personal lives of the crew members. We learn about their families, their dreams, and their struggles. One of the most poignant moments in the film is when a crew member receives news that his son has been diagnosed with cancer. This scene is a reminder that, despite their tough exterior, these workers are human beings with emotions and vulnerabilities.

Another theme that emerges in the film is the changing nature of the river industry. The crew members talk about how automation and technology have impacted their jobs, and how it's becoming harder to make a living on the river. This is particularly evident in the scenes where the crew has to work with a crane operator who is based on land. This new system is more efficient, but it also means that the crew has less control over the loading and unloading process.

Overall, Barge is a beautifully-shot and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into a world that most of us will never experience. It's a testament to the hard work and resilience of the crew members, as well as the power of the Mississippi River. If you're interested in documentary filmmaking, or just want to learn more about the river industry, Barge is definitely worth checking out.

Barge is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.