D.W.Griffith's "Way Down East."

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One of the best movies you will ever see. Don't expect this silent movie to be a parody of pantomime, as the worst of the genre are. Griffith was a master and he had all of his powers working perfectly in this effort: masterful casting, incredible cinematography, pacing, editing, etc.
Lillian Gish gives the most moving performance I've ever seen by an actor, period. She plays a poor girl who treacherously is misled by an arrogant skirt-chaser, and she pays a heavy penalty. He, meanwhile, discards her and continues on his dissolute path, oblivious to the ruin he's caused.
The entire cast is wonderful and the scope of the story is huge: many, many characters are presented and, in less skilled hands, they could have become trite. Griffith, however, places them in situations wherein their individuality is brought out.
If you've ever watched a snippet of the famous scene in which a heroine is passed out upon an ice floe as it rushes toward the falls... this is the film that showcases it in its climax.
Though it is from the silent era, this film is not dated at all, but tells a story which unfortunately remains common today.

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Topic - D.W.Griffith's "Way Down East." - tinear 13:27:27 01/18/06 (6)

Re: Yep, saw this as a double feature with "The Wind" - grinagog 01:28:59 01/19/06 (0)

I agree, and while it's far from my favorite silent film, it is definitely a classic, and among Griffith's best. - Audiophilander 00:59:47 01/19/06 (4)

I wished somewhere in there you had discussed the film in question - tinear 08:18:48 01/19/06 (3)

I did, but as you pointed out the story is already well known; it's the back story which requires greater exploration. - Audiophilander 12:07:53 01/19/06 (2)

Seen Joan of Arc and I'd not compare it since they're so different. - tinear 10:04:04 01/20/06 (1)

It was a qualitative comparison, not stylistic. - Audiophilander 11:22:49 01/20/06 (0)

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