Storyline
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.
Key Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Western Deep was released on September 1, 2002.
The runtime of Western Deep is 24m.
Western Deep is a Documentary movie.
Western Deep has a rating of 4.2 out of 10 on TMDB.
Western Deep is available to watch. Check streaming platforms and theaters near you.
Western Deep was directed by Steve McQueen.
Western Deep is originally in English.