Feb. 8, 2015 marked 100 years since the release of one of
the most controversial movies of all time, “The Birth of a Nation.” I’ve read
about this movie a number of times over the years, but I’d never seen it, which
is why I put it on my “bucket list” a few years ago. I really just wanted to
see what all the fuss was about, and I finally finished watching it from start
to finish on Wednesday.
Released in theatres on Feb. 8, 1915, “The Birth of a
Nation” is about two families during the Civil War and Reconstruction. The
Stonemans are from the North, and the Camerons are from South Carolina.
Directed by D.W. Griffith, the movie’s based on a 1905 novel called “The
Clansman: An Historical Romance of the Ku Klux Klan” by Thomas F. Dixon Jr.
(Beginning to see why this film is somewhat controversial?)
This movie is considered significant, not because of its
content, but because of the innovative techniques Griffith used in this epic
film. The result is a power example of storytelling. Also, for you trivia
buffs, “The Birth of a Nation” was the first motion picture ever screened at
the White House.
One aspect of this movie that I was especially interested in
has to do with the fact that the main character, Col. Ben Cameron, aka “The
Little Colonel,” was played by Alabama native Henry B. Walthall. Walthall, who
was recently featured in an article in the latest issue of Alabama Heritage
magazine, was born in Shelby County, Ala. on March 16, 1878. His acting career
spanned three decades and while he appeared in scores of movies, he’s best
known for his role in “The Birth of a Nation.”
If you’ve never watched this movie, be warned – for a couple
of reasons. This movie has often been criticized for its portrayal of blacks,
so bear in mind that it’s a movie and the people are acting out a script. Also,
keep in mind that this movie is now over 100 years old and comes from a time
when people’s attitudes weren’t nearly as politically correct as they are today.
Also, be warned, this movie is long, over three hours long.
Many modern viewers will probably have a hard time sitting through a silent
film that long. I know I did. There were at least several times when I asked
myself “When will this thing be over with?”
Did I enjoy this movie? The answer is yes and no. I enjoyed
watching it because it’s considered an important landmark in film history.
However, I doubt that I’ll ever watch it again. It’s just hard to sit through a
three-hour silent film.
In the end, how many of you have watched “The Birth of a
Nation”? How many of you have read Dixon’s original novel? What did you think
about them? What other classic movies would recommend checking out? Let us know
in the comments section below.
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