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Oscar® Nominee, Best Documentary (Short Subject), 1979

Nails

1979 13 min
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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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Nails

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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.

  • director
    Phillip Borsos
  • executive producer
    John Taylor
  • photography
    Ron Orieux
  • sound
    Ralph Parker
  • editing
    Raymond Hall
  • re-recording
    Barry P. Jones
  • music
    Michael Conway Baker

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Education

Ages 11 to 16
Study Guide
School subjects

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?

Nails
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