Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Tim S — 28 Nov 2011

Now we come to a film where one really has to grapple internally with how to rate it. After seeing something like this, you think to yourself 'do I give it an honest rating based on how I feel about it, or do I rate it based solely on what it means for cinema in general?' Most ratings fall somewhere in between for most people, and as for myself, it does just that when it comes to The Birth of a Nation.

D.W. Griffith's landmark epic has been steeped in controversy since it first hit screens in 1915. Griffith was more surpised than anyone that people would take offense to his film, overshadowing not just the film itself, but the man and his career.

Being blind to reason, he didn't realize just how controversial it was. Full of enough racism to make even the most monstrous bigot scratch his head, it's a wonder that this film is still around over 100 years later.

To be fair, it is cosmetically unique and interesting - just looking back at the era it was made in, and the storytelling qualities of silent films. However, times do change and time hasn't been very kind to this film.

What worked then doesn't work now and the film is rather ineffective outside of it being very offensive (not that I was offended by it, but you understand what I mean). It's certainly an important film and should definitely be kept alive (and seen by as many people as possible), but don't expect to be blown away by a hidden masterpiece.

It isn't that. What it is is a great curiousity, directed by a man who championed filmmaking as an artform. For that reason alone, the film bears merit.