Men at Lunch

Men at Lunch is a documentary film from 2012 that tells the story behind one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century: the photograph of 11 ironworkers sitting on a steel beam high above New York City during the construction of Rockefeller Center in 1932. The photograph has become an iconic image of the American construction industry and has been reproduced countless times in advertisements, posters, and art galleries.

Throughout the course of the film, viewers are introduced to a number of different characters who are involved in various ways with the story of the photograph. Some of the key players include historian John Tauranac, who has spent years researching the photograph and its context; filmmaker Ric Burns, who serves as the film's co-producer and provides commentary throughout; and Fionnula Flanagan, who serves as the film's narrator.

The film is structured around a series of interviews with these and other experts and commentators, who offer insights into the different aspects of the photograph's history and significance. We learn about the social and economic conditions that drove Irish immigrants like the men in the photograph to risk their lives working on high-rise construction sites in the early 20th century. We also hear about the technical challenges involved in taking the photograph itself, which required the use of a remote-controlled camera suspended from the 69th floor of Rockefeller Center.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Men at Lunch is the way it uses the story of the photograph to explore larger themes about American history and society. For example, the film shows how the photograph was used as a propaganda tool during the Great Depression, when it was widely circulated as a symbol of American strength and resilience in the face of hardship. We also get a sense of how the photograph has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the years, as different groups have claimed ownership of its message and symbolism.

Throughout the film, the image of the men on the beam looms large, and viewers are treated to repeated close-ups and slow-motion shots of the photograph as it is dissected and analyzed from every angle. We learn about the individuals in the photograph and their stories, both before and after the photograph was taken. Some of the men died young, while others lived long and prosperous lives, but all of them left their mark on history in one way or another.

Overall, Men at Lunch is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. Whether you're interested in American history, photography, or just good storytelling, this film is definitely worth a watch.