14 jul 1908 año - D.W GRIFFITH

Descripción:

Griffith was a failed stage actor, who began acting for Thomas Edison in his films in 1908. From this, Griffith developed a keen interest in directing and even covered for many directors whilst on set as an actor.

He went on to make 160+ films in two years, such as: Corner in Wheat (1909), Fighting Blood (1911) and Under Burning Skies (1912).

In terms of his style of film making, he used an abundance of cross-editing to help create tension. Additionally, Griffith began making two-reel films, which were twice as long as previous films at that time.

He is perhaps most known for his film making because he was the first person to begin to convey political interests and views on society within his films. Prior to this, films were largely a means of entertainment, much like the theatre or circus, and were used as an escape from reality.

Birth of a Nation (1915) is considered to be his most controversial film. It is recognised today because of its blatant racism and distorted perception of history and reality.
Unfortunately still celebrated today by white supremacist groups, this film shows a different perspective of early film making; it shows that the rise of the ability to create permanent, widely-spread moving images could ultimately be used as a means of propaganda and flase story-telling.