Nails
This documentary short tracks the shift in the relationship of an individual to his work between the 19th century and today. Focusing on how nails are made, we first see a blacksmith laboring at his forge, shaping nails from single strands of steel rods. The scene then shifts from this peaceful setting to the roar of a 20th century nail mill, where banks of machines draw, cut, and pound the steel rods faster than the eye can follow.
This documentary short tracks the shift in the relationship of an individual to his work between the 19th century and today. Focusing on how nails are made, we first see a blacksmith laboring at his forge, shaping nails from single strands of steel rods. The scene then shifts from this peaceful setting to the roar of a 20th century nail mill, where banks of machines draw, cut, and pound the steel rods faster than the eye can follow.
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directorPhillip Borsos
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executive producerJohn Taylor
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photographyRon Orieux
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soundRalph Parker
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editingRaymond Hall
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re-recordingBarry P. Jones
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musicMichael Conway Baker
Describe the traditional methods used to create nails. Contrast this with modern methods featured in the film. Identify and explain the different documentary filmmaking techniques that are used in this film. Discuss the overt and covert themes/messages of this film. How are they communicated?
More educational content
Nails, Phillip Borsos, provided by the National Film Board of Canada