Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Curtis H — 10 Jan 2009
Such a difficult film to reconcile - on one hand, it is technically stunning, cinematically innovative and with production values and sheer scope and ambition which would be stunningly laudable in a current day context let alone 1915.
At the same time, Griffithâ??s cloying pretension and sense of self-importance permeate the film nauseatingly, and the unavoidable extreme racism which effectively forms the centerpiece of the film (turning the Klu Klux Klan into valient crusaders) makes it almost impossible to properly enjoy.
A cinematic triumph and superb example of the persuasive power of film in terms of promoting national identity or ideological constructs, but one to be watched with more of a bucket full rather than a grain of salt.
This review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) was written by Curtis H on 10 Jan 2009.
The Birth of a Nation has generally received mixed reviews.
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