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In Reply to: D.W.Griffith's "Way Down East." posted by tinear on January 18, 2006 at 13:27:27:
Right you are, and the worst of the genre were probably as difficult to watch back then as they are today, or at least very nearly so. A sad fact about the limited appreciation of silent cinema is that most folks don't realize how many great silent films there actually were because the early sound films were often so much worse that it poisoned the well, so to speak. Add to that the number of silent features and serials that have disappeared through neglect, fire, decomposition, etc., and the fact that any have survived at all looks even more remarkable!FTR, I've studied silent films since my introduction to Chaplin and Von Stroheim in college; currently my silent film collection on DVD and LD runs to approximately 100, both domestic and European releases. The books and research materials on silent film in my personal library are equally extensive. I mention this as background for discussing Griffith's work in comparison with other classics of the genre.
As an aficionado of silent film my interests run the gamut, from serious drama (German impressionism from UFA, followed by Von Stroheim's achievements and the Garbo silents), to comedy (the Harold Lloyd Collection, followed by Keaton and Chaplin, with nods to Beatrice Lilly, Marion Davies and Mary Pickford) to action/adventure (Douglas Fairbanks Collection, some Valentino, and French serials such as Les Vampires and Judex). My apology for the digression, but it should provide the necessary background for both criticisms and appreciation of Griffith's work that follows.
>>> "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." <<<
The ice floe scene is a grand accomplishment on any scale, and couldn't be filmed today without extensive CGI (a'la The Chronic Ills of Nurdia). That scene was TRULY dangerous and almost cost Griffith the lives of his stars! What you see on film in that ice floe sequence is quite literally the real deal.
While Ms. Gish had the greatest respect for Mr. Griffith's work, I seem to recall her quietly noting the severe pain she endured from exposure to the freezing water during the filming of this scene. Apparently, the hand she had dangling into the frozen river required medical attention, and resulted in an arthritic condition that would plague the actress for the remainder of her life.
>>> "Griffith was a master and he had all of his powers working perfectly in this effort: masterful casting, incredible cinematography, pacing, editing, etc." <<<
I admire Griffith's films, but I'm not nearly as moved by his work as I am that of other respected silent Directors even though Griffith's innovation has never been fully appreciated and his historical achievements rarely recognized, except anecdotally. I suspect that the reasons for this are timing, as his success as a Director came rather late in his life, and the fact that his greatest cinematic achievement and greatest innovation, the feature film, are the subject of great controversy!
The Klansman (aka Birth of a Nation) is credited with being the first feature length film which arguably isn't quite true, because several films which could be considered features were made in Europe (Italy) prior to this. However, that's NOT the reason that Birth of a Nation still sparks controversy today. For that you have to examine the cultural impact of the film.
In great part, this film was responsible for a populist resurgence of the KKK, not only in the deep South, but in the industrial North as well! And while the blame for this tragic emerging of racist attitudes can't be placed solely on Griffith's doorstep, his film set in motion the growth of the KKK, and regardless of his intent fueled racial tensions in this country for the better part of the 20th century.
Griffith's attitudes weren't necessarily racist mind you, but more likely the product of his age and growing up in the Old South after the Civil War; if anything the man was a nostalgist who was born in the wrong era and out of sync with the changing world around him. None of this should take away from his accomplishments as a filmmaker, but we should always strive to keep a historical perspective on both the achievement and the result when examining a Director's accomplishements.
Sorry about the long-winded response, but silent films are one of my areas of expertise, and unfortunately, discussed only rarely here.
Cheers,
AuPh
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Follow Ups
- 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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