jun 26, 1915 - D.W. Griffith: Birth Of A Nation
Description:
The failed stage actor, D.W. Griffith, began directing because the official director was ill.
During 1908 he made 60 films, in 1909 he made over 100 films.
He is mostly known for his incredibly racist film 'Birth Of A Nation'. It focuses on an extremely negative depiction of black people and glorifies the beliefs of the ku klux klan. He suggested that black people were less evolved and violent, putting them in an antagonistic light. 'The birth of a nation is borderline propaganda for the time period it was released, as represented his biased point of view in a manipulative manor to present his immoral political views. Beside his horrific racism, he is said to have used advanced camera and narrative techniques. It sparked major controversy around racism in the US and caused riots at several theatres and was censored in many states.
He was a founding member of the academy of motion pictures art and sciences. He popularised the use of the close up shot.
Added to timeline:
3rd attempt at history of film timeline
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