In his documentary essay Harun Farocki explores the Lumière brothers’ Workers Leaving the Factory scene right through the history of film. The result of this effort is a fascinating cinematographic analysis in the medium of cinematography itself.
This film is not currently playing on MUBI but 30 other great films are. See what’s now showing
Life begins after the working hours for the workers. Workers first steps out of their factories are fast. They don't know where to go, but where to get out of. These moments following the workers leaving their factories/offices terrify the work owners. The fear of a strike made by workers once they start feeling themselves again after work is inevitable. Nobody is allowed to stand by the factory gate after work.