Birth of a Nation (1 Viewer)

[damian]

Since we are talking classic westerns and Hollywood movies a bit, I thought I would ask about Birth of a Nation.
I have received a copy from Amazon.
It sounds like it will be an interesting and important move from a film historian's perspective
Also sounds like it is going to be hugely controversial.
I plan to watch it this weekend.
Will chat about it when I have seen it.

 

[lancer]

Since we are talking classic westerns and Hollywood movies a bit, I thought I would ask about Birth of a Nation.
I have received a copy from Amazon.
It sounds like it will be an interesting and important move from a film historian's perspective
Also sounds like it is going to be hugely controversial.
I plan to watch it this weekend.
Will chat about it when I have seen it.

In today's PC world, 'hugely controversial' is an understatement. It has been many years since I have viewed it, but as I remember, the movie does not believe in middle ground. -- Al

 

[jazzeum]

It's a classic movie in the history of film and I have read that certain of Griffith's effects were pioneering. It takes a pro-Confederate Lost Cause point of view and depicts blacks as less than human. As a result it spawned a lot of controversy in its time, demonstration, etc.

However, it's viewed as an important film and here is a rather interesting article that appeared in the New Yorker earlier this year, http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/movies/2013/02/birth-of-a-nation-revisited.html

 

[BLReed]

Will chat about it when I have seen it.

Looking forward to hearing what you think. It's a bit long...three hours or so.
A couple of sittings might help. I wish they would do a remake if they could
abstain from the current day PC.

You might find something here:
http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/forum/showthread.php?33431-The-Birth-of-a-Nation-on-Blu-ray&highlight=birth+nation

 

[Scott]

In today's PC world, 'hugely controversial' is an understatement. It has been many years since I have viewed it, but as I remember, the movie does not believe in middle ground. -- Al

Heh! PC, more like the culture moved on from Dixon's book and the film. I own a copy and it's well worth watching for the filming, editing etc. There are several recreated battle scenes and the murder of President Lincoln that are well staged.

We should consider that the message of the book The Clansman was Politically Correct for many Americans at the time.

 

[damian]

Okay I watched some of it last night.
It is a bit difficult to sit through a silent movie.
Obviously for a movie made 100 years ago this is ground breaking stuff in terms of cinematography.
I understand at the time most commercial movies were ten minute shorts so this was new.
I will have to read a bit more about reconstruction to find out about the truth of the events.
Racial stereotypes obviously abound but I knew that before I started watching.
Not sure if I can say I enjoyed it more like attending a history lecture something I had to do for a complete education.
Will get through the rest this week.

 

[GICOP]

Damian

I've got it on DVD, must watch it again

Cheers

Martyn

 

[damian]

Heh! PC, more like the culture moved on from Dixon's book and the film. I own a copy and it's well worth watching for the filming, editing etc. There are several recreated battle scenes and the murder of President Lincoln that are well staged.

We should consider that the message of the book The Clansman was Politically Correct for many Americans at the time.

It resulted in protests at the time so obviously not all Americans regarded it as okay even back then.
I find that interesting as globally in 1915 race relationships were not well developed.

 

[BLReed]

It resulted in protests at the time so obviously not all Americans regarded it as okay even back then.

You are correct. Sometime I think protests are a National Pastime. At least with protest junkies.

Anyway in response to the displeasure Griffin received, he set about to answer them in a way
by producing Intolerance in 1916. Another three hour epic that cost $500 million to make
in todays dollars. I haven't seen it, but it is also available on DVD.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intolerance_(film)

 

[damian]

I may try and get hold of Intolerance in the next few months.
I need to brush up on my film history.

 

[Scott]

It resulted in protests at the time so obviously not all Americans regarded it as okay even back then.
I find that interesting as globally in 1915 race relationships were not well developed.

Thanks, I didn't want to give a whole history lesson on the protests against the film. It is thought that President Woodrow Wilson's comment on the film may have been fabricated by Thomas Dixon. The quotes from Wilson's book, History of the American People, used as titles were not fabricated.




My DVD copy has the Ride of the Valkyries as part of the theme music.

 

[Scott]

You are correct. Sometime I think protests are a National Pastime. At least with protest junkies....................

"............. or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." :wink2:[SUP][/SUP]