Director: D.W Griffith
Year: 1915
Country: US
Language: English
"It is like writing history with Lightning!" said American President Woodrow Wilson after seeing it at a private White Souse screening. Like Triumph of the Will I was quite hesitant to watch this silent classic, knowing that it has had tumultuous history of racism and violence. It assisted in the rising of the KKK, which in time inspired the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to grow stronger. The outcry from this film, and director D.W Griffith's need to attain credibility as a serious filmmaker, contributed to some of the greatest silents ever made. From Broken Blossoms to Intolerance. It's a shocking film, even though the 1910's were still a racist time in America's history, long before the civil rights movements in the 60's many people back then were disgusted at the racism portrayed on film.
I propose a question, does Birth of a Nation present an argument in favor of evil? If so, why is it adored by the majority of critics? Perhaps this "racist" film has an intelligent point, to identify the nature of evil and to attempt to abolish the root cause. It seems unwatchable now, mainly because it is very hard to comprehend what Griffith was thinking while making the film. We are so far removed from the society in which Griffith desired to make a point about. I admire the guts it took to make this film. When we see a film about racism nowadays we are not shocked because it's usually a light hearted comedy (see The Help) that chooses not to deal with the harsh reality of how cruel the white man has been to other races. In that sense, 2011's The Help should be seen as more disturbing as it is merely masturbation material. We like to think that we are far removed from our racist roots, but there is still racism looming in America, we just deny it.
Birth of a Nation is a frightening look at American history in an all too real light. The fact that people are unnerved from this film is not only a good thing, but a great thing. It shows that we have evolved into a more accepting society. You're not supposed to find this film entertaining, for not all films are about entertainment.Birth of a Nation can be compared to Salo: or the 120 Days of Sodom in that respect. Birth of a Nation is without apologies. If film should be recognized as high art, then we must acknowledge that art contains truth and within that truth, beauty. It holds a mirror to the face of the average American and exposed their deep rooted racism.
This film is also one of technical mastery. When it was shown in theaters in 1915 audiences were amazed at the groundbreaking narrative and visual effects. Without this film, we may never have seen the breathtaking car chase scenes shown in many action films because this is the first film to show a well made intercut chase scene. Griffith made it conventional for directors to use close-ups, color tinting, medium shots and certain establishing shots. Without this film and Griffith's genius we wouldn't have most of the films in theaters today. Great action scenes are shot with ease, elevated shots help show a full battlefield, intricate cuts make the battles interesting. Birth of a Nation was ahead of its time, where films back then were afraid to go technical wise, Griffith took a giant leap. A bold and brave man who deserves nothing but utmost respect.
In conclusion, Griffith had an enormous amount of guts. He held a mirror up to society and exposed the racism that plagued within. If you want to see a truthful film about what the white man has done to the black image, see this film. If you are shocked, then great, you should be. Only masturbatory films about racism, like Avatar or The Help, will entertain. Segregation is ugly and there is no humor about it. Birth of a Nation IS history and it will be impossible to make this film go away. Like I said in Triumph of the Will, if you find this film entertaining you should probably see a psychiatrist.. Praise it! 5/5
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