a veritable textbook for modern movie-making

Rating: Null/10 (3 December 2001)

for those of you who have decided to critique Griffith based upon his jaded view of the South during Reconstruction and his celebration of the Ku-Klux Klan, you should note that simply because Griffith may have espoused prejudiced doctrine, his imagery is no less powerful nor less expressive than any movie since made. From eyeline matches to parallel editing, expressive framing to the simple vocabulary associated with movies, Griffith's piece provide a veritable textbook on movie-making. He is indeed the father of modern movies, and those of you who are offended by Griffith's first feature should consider why that is so. Is it because his imagery is too powerful and well shot to be ignored. Upon closer inspection, and the removal of one's attachment to the content, positive or negative, you should hopefully gain a new appreciation for "The Birth of a Nation"...