The Glamorous Life of a Miner: Hollywood Style

Mining and glamour are not typically thought of as one and the same. But exceptions always apply, as is made evident by the abundance of excellent Hollywood films related to the industry. Detailed below are a few mining movies that you most definitely need in your queue:

Moon

Mining meets science fiction — that’s the basic setup of Moon, an incredible film starring Sam Rockwell as the lone miner on a lunar base. Emotional and yet intellectually stimulating, moon highlights a number of ethical dilemmas related to the ultimate costs of providing resources for an ever-demanding world.

Total Recall

Like Moon, Total Recall includes the unique combination of science fiction and mining. But that’s where the similarities end. Total Recall is the ultimate film for anyone who enjoys action-packed Arnold Schwarzenegger films — especially when said films include the acting talents of Sharon Stone, plus stunning visual effects and a wonderful soundtrack.

North Country 

Perhaps Charlize Theron’s most impressive performance to date, North Country tells the touching tale of a mother who experiences sexual harassment and other heartbreaking situations while employed by a mine in northern Minnesota. Set in 1989, this film shows just how far mining has come in the last few decades.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

No collection of mining movies is complete without The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Released in 1948, this film remains a favorite, in part because of amazing performances from Humphrey Bogart and Walter Houston. The Treasure of Sierra Madre shows the many complexities related to life in the mine, some of which remain in place to this very day.

The life of a miner is hardly glamorous, even when portrayed by today’s hottest Hollywood figures. But mining does serve as the perfect subject for a movie, given the possibilities it presents for adventure and intrigue. If you’re looking for a great film to enjoy during your next big movie night, be sure to check out a mining flick!