Hazardous Occupations: A short, dizzying look at dangerous work

Is it worth your time?

If you have any interest in history or just like watching people do things that make your palms sweat, give it a go. It’s short, it’s loud, and it doesn't waste a second of your time. If you prefer your documentaries polished, color-corrected, and narrated by a celebrity, you’ll probably find this too raw and jarring.

Watching this made me think about The Hell Ship, mostly because both films deal with environments where a single slip-up means you’re done for. There’s no safety net here. Just guys in caps leaning way too far over the side of a half-finished bridge.

The pacing is honestly all over the place. One minute you're watching a steeplejack do something terrifying, and then it cuts to an oil field with zero transition. It’s like the editor was in a massive hurry to get home for dinner. Honestly, I kind of liked that about it.

The cameraman is the real star here

You can tell the guy holding the camera is just as crazy as the workers he’s filming. There’s a moment where he leans out over a ledge, and you can see the shadow of the tripod shaking. It’s not smooth, it’s not artistic. It’s just real.

• The wind noise is constant.
• The bridge workers aren't wearing any harnesses I can see. Seriously, none.
• The music is a bit too jaunty for people literally risking their lives.

There's a scene near the middle that goes on for a bit too long, just watching a steel beam get hoisted into place. You start to lose track of time. Then, suddenly, a guy almost drops his wrench, and your heart jumps into your throat. It’s funny how a tiny bit of gravity makes everything feel so much more urgent. 🏗️

It’s not trying to make a statement about the economy or the plight of the worker. It’s just saying, "Hey, look at this guy standing on a wire." That’s enough. Maybe I’ve been watching too many modern movies that try to explain the meaning of life every five minutes, but this felt like a breath of fresh, albeit terrifying, air.

Is it a masterpiece? No. But it’s definitely not boring. If you see a steeplejack climbing a ladder that looks like it’s held together by thoughts and prayers, you’re going to keep watching. You can't help it. 👷‍♂️