Ben's Mill is a 1982 drama film that tells the story of a historical grist mill and its preservation. The film is directed by John Karol and produced by artist and conservationist Frank Vogt. The movie is set in the small Vermont town of Pittsford and follows the journey of a millwright named Ben Thresher, whose family has owned and operated the local grist mill for generations. Ben, played by actor J.G. Hertzler, is an aging man, and as he nears retirement, he faces the reality that he may need to sell his beloved mill to survive.
However, an unlikely ally emerges in the form of a young college-educated artist from New York City named Mike King, who has come to Pittsford to study the river and the mill, intending to paint a mural. Mike, played by Richard Backus, sees the mill as an essential piece of history and works with Ben to preserve it.
One of the essential themes of the movie is the tension between modernization and preserving history. While Ben is resistant to change, understanding of the importance of the mill and the role it played in the community's history, as well as the livelihoods of the residents of Pittsford, Mike seeks to create a new vision for the mill that keeps its history alive but makes it relevant to the present day.
Another significant theme of the movie is the connection between humans and nature. The mill itself is powered by the river, and the relationship between the millwright and the water is explored in-depth, showing how human ingenuity and nature work together to create something useful.
The cinematography of the film is stunning, with sweeping shots of the river and the mill that convey a deep sense of connection to nature. The score of the film, composed by John Duffy, complements the visuals and brings a sense of melancholy to the movie that's fitting for the subject matter. The dialogue, while sometimes stilted, reflects the characters' backgrounds and aspirations realistically.
One notable aspect of the film is how it portrays a way of life that is almost gone now. The mill, once the heart of the town, has become obsolete, and this is a tragedy for Ben who has dedicated his life to it. The younger generation, represented by Mike, seeks to understand the mill's history and relate it to their own lives, but they do not feel the same connection to it that Ben does.
The relationship between Ben and Mike is another critical element of the movie. Though they are from different worlds, they share a passion for the mill and its history. Their friendship is complex, with moments of tension and understanding that drive the film's narrative. The actors' performances give weight to their relationship, making it the emotional core of the film.
In conclusion, Ben's Mill is a poignant, beautifully shot film that reflects on the value of preserving history and the connection between humans and nature. The themes explored in the movie still resonate today, with the tension between progress and preservation continuing to play out in countless communities worldwide. It's a film that captures a way of life that's rapidly disappearing, reminding us of the importance of looking to the past to create a better future.
