They live in a circle, with seemingly no escape. With Belfast, Maine , Wiseman does not investigate a particular institution, but rather an entire town itself. On a conceptual level, Belfast, Maine is probably Wiseman's most ambitious work. Entering such familiar terrain as the hospital, the courtroom, the factory, the church, and the town hall, Wiseman has come full circle. Belfast is the sort of town where the Teachers can teach while the students pay attention.
Doctors care for the sick.
In one sequence, an English teacher gives an introductory lesson on Moby Dick. Unlike the staff of High School , this man is not manipulative. This is someone who has a sincere love for classic literature. There is a similarity among local actors and the fishermen, the painter and the historical preservationist , they all share a genuine passion for what they do. While Public Housing has a feeling of anarchy, Belfast, Maine is one of tranquility.