Belfast, Maine

Belfast is a friendly coastal town in the American state of Maine with nice wooden houses, a fishing port, and lots of space. In his characteristic observant style, Frederick Wiseman draws a complete picture of the daily life of the inhabitants of this town. All kinds of activities and public bodies are covered though the emphasis lies on the work people do and the cultural activities in town. Wiseman filmed the lobster fishermen who leave port early in the morning. He registered the production of potato croquets and mashed potatoes in a processing plant, and shows how herrings are canned by thousands. He attended a public council meeting, a flower arrangement class and a stage and choir rehearsal. The film pays a lot of attention to the care of the sick, the elderly and the less fortunate. We see a doctor and a social worker doing their rounds, and we spend some time at the emergency ward of the local hospital.