Intolerance! The Epic Tale of Love, Hate, and Redemption Across the Ages?

The world of cinema in 1916 was still in its nascent stage, grappling with technical limitations yet bursting with creative energy. Amidst this landscape emerged D.W. Griffith’s monumental epic “Intolerance,” a film that dared to tackle grand historical themes and explore the universal human condition. This silent masterpiece, starring Lillian Gish and featuring an ensemble cast including Constance Talmadge and Mae Marsh, offers viewers a journey through time and across cultures, demonstrating the enduring power of love, hate, redemption, and intolerance in shaping humanity’s destiny.

Griffith’s vision for “Intolerance” was ambitious from the outset. He aimed to create a film that would transcend individual stories and illuminate the recurring patterns of conflict and compassion throughout history. The narrative unfolds across four distinct storylines spanning centuries:

• Babylon: Depicting the reign of Belshazzar and the downfall of the Babylonian Empire, showcasing the destructive nature of unchecked power and hedonism.

• The Story of Judah: A tale set during the reign of Christ, where a young Jewish woman named Judith is persecuted for her faith.

• France during the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre: A harrowing depiction of religious intolerance leading to widespread violence against Huguenots in 16th-century France.

• Modern America: A story centered on a working-class family grappling with social prejudice and economic hardship, reflecting contemporary societal issues.

The film’s structure is truly innovative for its time. Griffith interweaves these storylines, showcasing how seemingly disparate events across eras are united by common threads of human experience. The characters, driven by love, ambition, jealousy, or faith, navigate their respective worlds with a raw emotional honesty rarely seen in cinema before “Intolerance.”

Lillian Gish delivers a captivating performance as the iconic “Mother” figure, whose unwavering compassion and resilience shine through each storyline. Griffith’s masterful use of close-ups allows audiences to connect deeply with her emotions, highlighting the universality of her struggles and triumphs.

The technical aspects of “Intolerance” were groundbreaking for the era.

Griffith employed innovative camera angles, elaborate sets, and intricate editing techniques to create a visually stunning experience. The film’s sheer scale and ambition were unprecedented:

• Massive Sets:

Griffith constructed massive sets at the Mutual Film Corporation studio in Los Angeles, meticulously recreating ancient Babylon, medieval France, and even modern-day New York City.

• Innovative Camera Work: He utilized close-ups to emphasize emotions, long shots to establish scale and grandeur, and dynamic camera movements to heighten dramatic tension.

• Parallel Editing: Griffith pioneered the use of parallel editing to interweave storylines simultaneously occurring across different historical periods. This technique allowed him to juxtapose contrasting events, further emphasizing his themes of universal human experience.

“Intolerance” faced its share of controversies upon release. Some critics denounced its complex structure and graphic depictions of violence, while others lauded its ambition and artistic vision. Despite initial mixed reactions, the film ultimately achieved critical acclaim for its groundbreaking technical achievements and powerful exploration of timeless human themes.

Enduring Legacy

Today, “Intolerance” is recognized as a landmark achievement in cinematic history. Its innovative techniques, compelling storytelling, and enduring themes have influenced generations of filmmakers. The film serves as a testament to the power of cinema to transport audiences across time and cultures, confronting us with complex realities and inspiring reflection on our own place within the tapestry of human history.

For those seeking an immersive cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, “Intolerance” offers a captivating journey into the depths of the human condition. This silent masterpiece invites viewers to engage in contemplation about the forces that shape our lives – from the power of love and compassion to the devastating consequences of intolerance.

Beyond “Intolerance”: Discovering Early Cinema

Exploring early cinema like Griffith’s masterpiece opens up a world of fascinating discoveries:

• Silent Film Scores: The experience of watching silent films is often enhanced by live musical accompaniment, which helps set the mood and convey emotional nuances.

• Intertitles: Silent films frequently use intertitles – written text appearing on screen – to advance the plot and provide dialogue. These intertitles can offer intriguing insights into the language and cultural context of the era.

• The Evolution of Film Language: Studying early cinema allows us to trace the development of cinematic techniques that we take for granted today, from editing styles to camera angles and narrative structures.

Let “Intolerance” be your gateway into the fascinating world of early cinema.