Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Bryan G — 03 May 2006

[font=Courier New]To respect a film like D.W. Griffith?s [i]The Birth of a Nation[/i] is a difficult task. The first time I heard of the film was when The American Film Institute produced their list of the 100 Greatest American Films. I was interested in seeing it, mainly because I was confused how a film where the Ku Klux Klan are the heroes was something worth honoring. So I went out and found the DVD.

The movie is divided into two halves. The first part of the film is about the Civil War, and its affect on two families. The second part of the film has these two families dealing with the result of the war. From here the movie takes an odd turn, and focuses on how the newly freed slaves are causing more trouble to America, than any help.

This movies racist views are utterly disgusting. And none of them are done with any bit of sense. The black characters are played by actual African-American actors, until their scenes involve white actors. During those scenes, actors in black face portray them. This always troubled me. Why even have real black actors in the film if you never intended them to share the screen with your white actors?

The reason I find so much respect in the film is more for its technical achievements. Griffith may have been a bigot, but he certainly had a keen eye for film. Being the first feature length film, Birth displays some amazing techniques not used before that time. All of which have gone on to becoming staples in modern filmmaking.

There is a moment in the movie, though very racist in theme, that displays amazing inter-cut scenes where the Ku Klux Klan are on horseback racing to save a family being held hostage by a group of blacks and their ?deranged? white supporters. Despite its bigoted message, the scene still exhibits the first real scene of dramatic tension. I was revolted by what I was seeing, but still impressed all the same.

If you watch the first half of the film, meaning everything leading up to the end of the Civil War, [i]The Birth of a Nation[/i] is a very well done war flick. The battle scene, which is longer than I expected it to be, is simply beautiful to look at. I love the tinting during this scene. And Griffith?s usage of the iris cam, close ups and wide shots manages to create a hectic and beautiful battle scene.

[font=Courier New] I admit that I am a bigger fan of Griffith?s follow-up film, [i]Intolerance[/i][/font][/font][font=Courier New] (which also has influenced filmmaking), but still hold this film in high esteem. At the time of this review, I have seen the film 5 times. Each time I get the same feeling. The movie is upsetting because of its racist themes, but the films technical merit alone still manages to make this A Great Film.[/font].