The Birth of a Nation (1915)
In the National Film Registry
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3h 12m
Controversial film glorifying KKK as heroes, vilifying African Americans, and fostering stereotypes.
While undeniably controversial for its racist narrative, The Birth of a Nation, D. W. Griffith's 1915 silent epic, represents a significant leap forward in filmmaking techniques and maintains its complex place in the history of cinema.
Griffith's grand vision epxanded the boundaries of film as an art form. The Birth of a Nation was the first feature-length American film, a massive undertaking that spanned three hours and twelve reels. It employed innovative editing techniques, including close-ups, fades, and parallel editing, which would become standard practices in storytelling through film.
The film's large-scale battle scenes were unprecedented, employing hundreds of extras and pioneering new camerawork to create a sense of realism and chaos. Griffith also made use of innovative special effects, like iris shots and close-ups on speeding trains, to heighten the film's emotional impact.
Despite its technical achievements, The Birth of a Nation's racist ideology remains deeply problematic. However, its undeniable influence on film language and editing techniques cannot be ignored. The film serves as a reminder of cinema's power to entertain, move, and even manipulate audiences.
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