Oh boy...

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2002)

Just because a film was considered ground breaking in its time, does NOT mean it is worth watching today. Please, you people, who have had the misfortune of seeing this dated film, do not deceive readers who may think this is some kind of technical masterpiece. It *was*, in 1915, when 'talkies' were a decade away and when minstrel shows were more popular than going to the 'pictures'. Some films made during the early sound era, like 'All Quiet on the Western Front' are definitely worth seeing. But be weary of any silent films made during the 'teens' as they are rather painful to watch. The novelty of seeing a 'picture' is just completely lost on the last few generations. Remember that people screamed in fright when they saw an image of a train moving towards the screen. So minus the novelty factor, Griffith's 'masterpiece' is one for the archives. But modern audiences would probably be bored to sleep by it or find it uproariously funny, which it probably wasn't meant to be. It is interesting, however, to see how a white southern man feels about Reconstruction. "Birth of a Nation" may be historically significant. That's why you should read about it. But for goodness sake, don't go to the trouble of trying to rent it.