Intolerance (1916) | Classics Authority

Home

Movies

Intolerance (1916)

Released in 1916, Intolerance is a groundbreaking silent film directed by D.W. Griffith. Known for its innovative storytelling techniques and epic scale, the film explores the theme of intolerance across four parallel storylines set in different time periods. Intolerance is often hailed as a masterpiece of early cinema and continues to be studied and celebrated by film scholars and enthusiasts.

The Birth of a Nation Controversy

Before delving into the details of Intolerance, it’s important to acknowledge the controversy surrounding D.W. Griffith’s previous film, The Birth of a Nation (1915). This cinematic landmark depicted the Civil War and Reconstruction era, glorifying the Ku Klux Klan and perpetuating racist stereotypes. While The Birth of a Nation was a commercial success, it drew criticism for its racist content and portrayal of African Americans. The backlash against the film influenced Griffith’s decision to create Intolerance as a response to the accusations of bigotry in his earlier work.

Four Tales of Intolerance

Intolerance weaves together four distinct narratives that explore the destructive force of intolerance throughout history. The film jumps between these storylines, drawing parallels and contrasts to highlight the universality of the theme. The tales include:

Babylonian Story: Set in ancient Babylon, this storyline follows the conflict between Prince Belshazzar and religious leader Daniel, culminating in the fall of the city due to social unrest and intolerance.
Judaeo-Christian Story: Centered around the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, this segment depicts the religious intolerance faced by early Christians and the ultimate triumph of love over hate.
French Story: Taking place during the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre in 16th century France, this narrative explores the religious wars between Catholics and Protestants, showcasing the brutal consequences of religious intolerance.
Modern Story: The most contemporary of the four tales, this segment portrays the struggles of a young couple caught in the turmoil of labor strikes and societal unrest, illustrating the impact of cultural and class-based intolerance.

Innovative Filmmaking Techniques

Intolerance is renowned for its groundbreaking filmmaking techniques, which pushed the boundaries of what was possible in silent cinema. Griffith employed a range of innovative techniques to bring the epic scope of the film to life, including:

Cross-cutting: Griffith’s use of parallel editing and cross-cutting between the four storylines was revolutionary for its time, allowing the narratives to intersect and build tension throughout the film.
Epic Sets: The Babylonian sequences in Intolerance featured elaborate and grandiose sets that showcased the scale and opulence of ancient civilizations, setting a new standard for production design in silent film.
Intertitles: While silent films relied on intertitles for dialogue and narration, Griffith used them in Intolerance to provide historical context and connect the disparate storylines, creating a cohesive narrative structure.

Legacy and Impact

Despite facing mixed reviews upon its initial release, Intolerance has since been reevaluated and recognized as a cinematic masterpiece. The film’s ambitious scope, innovative storytelling techniques, and powerful exploration of the theme of intolerance have solidified its place in film history. Intolerance continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, serving as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to provoke thought and incite change.

In conclusion, Intolerance stands as a testament to D.W. Griffith’s artistic vision and ambition. By tackling complex themes and employing innovative filmmaking techniques, Griffith created a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with audiences over a century after its release. Through its exploration of intolerance across different time periods, Intolerance challenges viewers to confront the destructive impact of bigotry and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in society.