“The Birth of a Nation” is a controversial film directed by DW Griffith. This film is an adaptation of the book Clansmen. Which attempts to re-construct the horrible image of the rural south and the KKK by portraying them as heroes whose sole purpose is to protect American women by preserving and maintaining white supremacy and confederacy in American culture.
“The Birth of a Nation” is a classic for many different reasons. First, this is one of the first full feature narrative films which addresses an issue that has plagued our nation since its founding. Prior to this point issues weren’t addressed through film, which is a medium that reaches people on a wide scale. Because of this, a lot of people grew more fond of the KKK and the south’s “true” intentions. This film worked as a form of damage control for the image of the south and its ideals. Of course along with its positive feedback, there was an insurmountable outpour of controversy from the black community. Blacks were exploited and portrayed as violent, incompetent, and dangers to society.
Aside from the controversy, The Birth of a nation broke a lot of records. Such as its length, choice of shots, and the music score in the background. The film played for 3 hours and 10 minutes and had a full length music score composed by Joseph Carl Breil to match the entire 3 hours. This was record breaking in itself. Also the shots Griffith used were way before their time. Shots such as the panning and panoramic shots are examples of why this film is and will always be a classic.
FILM CLASSICS 