The Birth of a Nation
1915 | Epic | USA | Directed by D.W. Griffith
Overview
Griffith built the grammar of modern film here: cross cutting, closeups, and a parallel chase structure sustained at feature length. A massive commercial hit, it proved the feature film viable in America. Its heroic portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan is racist and shameful, and the film remains a permanent case study in art advancing harm. Required film history, taught with context.
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