Canners

Canners is a captivating 2015 documentary film directed by award-winning filmmaker Manfred Kirchheimer. Clocking in at 86 minutes, the film offers an intimate and deeply humanizing portrayal of individuals who collect bottles and cans for a living. Drawing from countless hours of street footage shot in New York City, this documentary takes an unbiased look at the people we would ordinarily pass without a second glance, providing an eye-opening critique of society's unequal distribution of wealth.

Opening in the bustling heartland of New York City, Canners acquaints viewers with those often marginalized individuals who glean their livelihood from the city's discarded recyclables. Every day, countless aluminum cans and plastic bottles are discarded, and equally many are gathered up, cleaned, sorted, and redeemed by the city's canners. United by their common endeavor, these individuals, often dismissed as mere scavengers, are actually providing valuable environmental services. The film casts a particular emphasis on those who have turned to cans and bottles collecting as a means to survive in an extremely expensive city.

What sets Canners apart from other documentaries in the genre is its unpretentious, on-the-ground approach. Kirchheimer doesn't shy away from showcasing the sheer difficulty and often precarious nature of this profession. He accurately captures the sometimes grueling long hours and heavy physical labor involved in collecting, sorting, and hauling away these items. However, at no point does he reduce his subjects to a mere spectacle of poverty. Instead, he pays respect to their resilience, diligence, and resourcefulness.

Another fascinating aspect of Canners is the diversity of its subjects. From immigrants who are struggling to make ends meet to individuals facing severe health issues or who were once professionals in corporate America, the film reflects the vast spectrum of distinct stories. Despite their varied backgrounds and circumstances, however, all these individuals share a quiet dignity and an inspiring determination to persevere.

Their stories are resources of inspiration as they share their life journey and how they found themselves in this usually unnoticed profession. ‘Canners’ unveils the bitter fact that they’re often ignored, sidelined, or overlooked by passersby, invisible despite their integral role in the city’s bustling ecosystem. It explores the social, economic, and mental reasons that force them into this behavior, boldly touching upon subjects like homelessness, the societal grapple with waste reduction, and the inadequate social safety net.

In terms of technical achievement, Canners is laudable for its skillful editing and crisp cinematography. Kirchheimer's thoughtful approach to his subjects translates into the film's visual style, which is both vibrant and deeply intimate. The streets of New York City are rendered in vivid detail, casting an atmospheric backdrop to the canners' daily work. Furthermore, the documentary features a remarkable jazz score that underscores the rhythms of the city and the canners' tireless labor.

Also noteworthy in Canners is Kirchheimer's observational style. The director lets the canners explain their world in their own words. He does not sensationalize nor romantize, allowing the harsh realities of their lives to be seen yet also capturing moments of joy, kindness, and camaraderie that punctuate their days.

Canners is more than a mere socio-economic study. At its core, the film is an invitation to witness and reflect on the lives of the ‘unseen’ individuals who are very much a part of society, but unfortunately, hidden in the blind spots of our daily existence.

In essence, Canners is a remarkable documentation of resilience, determination, and survival amid severe adversity. It commands the audience to challenge their prejudices and unfounded biases regarding those who make their living in unconventional ways. By the end of this brilliantly crafted documentary, viewers will gain a deep, empathetic appreciation for the profound human narratives inherent in such a seemingly basic activity.

All in all, Canners is an insightful and deeply humane film that explores a side of New York City life that is often overlooked. The film blends socio-economic commentary and personal narratives to create a powerful and emotive viewing experience, presenting the less glamorous and harsher reality of life on the streets through the lens of these hardworking individuals who strive to get by, one can and bottle at a time.