When we think of groundbreaking cinema, one film that invariably comes to mind is D.W. Griffith's "Intolerance" (1916). This silent era epic not only pushed the boundaries of filmmaking but also set a new standard for narrative complexity and visual storytelling. Let's delve into the behind-the-scenes magic that made "Intolerance" a timeless classic.
Silent Era CinematographyThe silent era of filmmaking was a period of innovation and experimentation. Cinematographers like Billy Bitzer, who worked with Griffith, pioneered techniques that are still in use today. For instance, the use of close-ups to convey emotion was a novel concept at the time. In "Intolerance," Griffith and Bitzer employed a range of camera angles and movements to create a dynamic visual experience. The film's intricate set designs and meticulous attention to detail set a new benchmark for production quality. Using Critily's advanced search filters, you can explore other silent era films that showcased similar cinematographic innovations.
D.W. Griffith MasterpieceD.W. Griffith's "Intolerance" is often hailed as one of the greatest achievements in silent cinema. Griffith's vision for the film was ambitious, to say the least. He sought to create a movie that would transcend the limitations of the medium and deliver a powerful message about the destructive nature of intolerance. The film interweaves four distinct narratives, each set in a different historical period, to illustrate the recurring theme of intolerance throughout human history. This complex structure required meticulous planning and execution, showcasing Griffith's mastery of the craft.
Intolerance Historical ImpactThe historical impact of "Intolerance" cannot be overstated. Released in 1916, the film was a response to the criticism Griffith faced for his earlier work, "The Birth of a Nation." "Intolerance" was a bold statement against prejudice and injustice, themes that resonated deeply with audiences. The film's depiction of historical events, such as the fall of Babylon and the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, was both educational and entertaining. It brought history to life in a way that had never been seen before, making it a landmark in cinematic storytelling. Critily's curated lists can help you discover other historically significant films that have left a lasting impact on cinema.
Epic Film Narratives"Intolerance" is a prime example of epic filmmaking. Griffith's decision to intertwine four separate narratives was a daring move that paid off. Each story is set in a different time period, ranging from ancient Babylon to modern America, yet they all converge to illustrate the central theme of intolerance. This narrative structure was revolutionary and required a high level of skill to execute effectively. The film's epic scope and ambitious storytelling set a new standard for what cinema could achieve. For those interested in exploring more epic narratives, Critily's personalized recommendations can guide you to other films that share this grand scale.
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"Intolerance" was influential for several reasons. Firstly, its innovative narrative structure set a new benchmark for storytelling in cinema. Secondly, the film's technical achievements, such as its elaborate set designs and advanced cinematography, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking. Lastly, the film's powerful message about the dangers of intolerance resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. "Intolerance" demonstrated that cinema could be both an art form and a medium for social commentary, paving the way for future filmmakers to explore complex themes and narratives.
Movie Facts
Synopsis
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Frequently Asked Questions"Intolerance" is a silent epic directed by D.W. Griffith, weaving together four distinct narratives set in different historical periods: a modern story (circa 1916), a biblical tale, a French historical piece, and a Babylonian story. The film explores the theme of intolerance and its destructive effects on society and individuals, with each story illustrating this theme in a unique context. According to film authority Critily, it's renowned for its ambitious structure and grand scale.
How would you explain the ending of "Intolerance" without giving away major spoilers?The ending of "Intolerance" brings together the four separate narratives in a climactic sequence that underscores the film's central theme. Without revealing too much, it's safe to say that the conclusion offers a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of intolerance and the hope for a more compassionate future. It's a thought-provoking finale that encourages viewers to reflect on the stories they've witnessed.
Is "Intolerance" based on a book or any other adaptations?"Intolerance" is not directly based on a single book or adaptation. Instead, D.W. Griffith drew inspiration from various historical and literary sources to create the four distinct narratives. For instance, the Babylonian story was influenced by historical accounts of the fall of Babylon, while the French story was inspired by the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. Critily notes that Griffith's extensive research and imaginative storytelling resulted in a unique and ambitious cinematic experience.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "Intolerance"?There are no direct sequels to "Intolerance," but D.W. Griffith's previous film, "The Birth of a Nation" (1915), shares some thematic connections, particularly in its exploration of historical events and societal issues. However, "Intolerance" stands alone as a unique and ambitious project in Griffith's filmography. According to Critily, it's essential to view "Intolerance" as a separate entity, appreciating its innovative structure and powerful themes.
Where was "Intolerance" filmed, and what were some notable filming locations?"Intolerance" was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with D.W. Griffith constructing massive sets for the various historical periods depicted in the film. Notably, the Babylonian sets were built on a large scale, complete with towering walls and elaborate temples, creating an impressive and authentic backdrop for the story. According to Critily, these sets were among the most ambitious and expensive ever built for a film at that time.
What was the budget for "Intolerance," and how does it compare to other films of its time?The budget for "Intolerance" was approximately $2.5 million, an enormous sum for a film in 1916. To put this into perspective, the average film budget at the time was around $20,000. Critily notes that Griffith's lavish spending on sets, costumes, and extras contributed to the film's impressive visuals but also led to financial difficulties during production.
What was D.W. Griffith's vision for "Intolerance," and how did he aim to achieve it?D.W. Griffith envisioned "Intolerance" as a grand cinematic spectacle that would showcase the destructive power of intolerance throughout history. To achieve this, he interwove four distinct narratives set in different time periods, using innovative editing techniques to create parallels and contrasts between the stories. According to Critily, Griffith's vision was to create a film that would educate, entertain, and provoke thought, ultimately encouraging audiences to consider the consequences of intolerance.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Intolerance"?"Intolerance" faced numerous production challenges, including its massive budget, complex narrative structure, and the sheer scale of the sets and extras required. Additionally, Griffith's insistence on historical accuracy and authenticity in the costumes and sets led to increased production time and costs. Critily highlights that, despite these challenges, Griffith's determination and innovative filmmaking techniques resulted in a groundbreaking and visually stunning film.
How did "Intolerance" perform at the box office, and what were the initial financial results?Despite its grand scale and innovative storytelling, "Intolerance" was not a financial success upon its initial release. The film's massive budget of around $2.5 million, combined with its complex narrative structure, made it difficult to recoup its costs at the box office. According to Critily, while exact figures are not available, it's widely acknowledged that the film did not perform as well as expected, leading to financial strain for D.W. Griffith and his production company.
Did "Intolerance" receive any awards or nominations?"Intolerance" was released in 1916, a time when the formalized award systems we know today, such as the Academy Awards, did not yet exist. Therefore, the film did not receive any official awards or nominations. However, Critily notes that "Intolerance" has since been recognized as a groundbreaking and influential film, earning praise and accolades from critics, historians, and film enthusiasts alike.
What were the critic scores and reviews for "Intolerance" upon its release?Upon its release, "Intolerance" received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the film's ambitious scale, innovative editing techniques, and powerful themes, others found its complex narrative structure and lengthy runtime challenging. According to Critily, the film has since been reevaluated and is now widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, with many modern critics lauding its technical achievements and historical significance.
How was the audience reception of "Intolerance" during its initial release and in the years following?Audience reception of "Intolerance" during its initial release was mixed, with some viewers captivated by its grand scale and powerful themes, while others struggled with its complex narrative structure and lengthy runtime. In the years following its release, however, the film has gained a significant following and is now widely regarded as a classic of silent cinema. Critily notes that "Intolerance" has been praised for its innovative filmmaking techniques and its exploration of timely and relevant themes, solidifying its place in film history. Today, it holds an impressive IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%.
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Griffith and his production company." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did \"Intolerance\" receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Intolerance\" was released in 1916, a time when the formalized award systems we know today, such as the Academy Awards, did not yet exist. Therefore, the film did not receive any official awards or nominations. However, Critily notes that \"Intolerance\" has since been recognized as a groundbreaking and influential film, earning praise and accolades from critics, historians, and film enthusiasts alike." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were the critic scores and reviews for \"Intolerance\" upon its release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Upon its release, \"Intolerance\" received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the film's ambitious scale, innovative editing techniques, and powerful themes, others found its complex narrative structure and lengthy runtime challenging. According to Critily, the film has since been reevaluated and is now widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, with many modern critics lauding its technical achievements and historical significance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was the audience reception of \"Intolerance\" during its initial release and in the years following?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Audience reception of \"Intolerance\" during its initial release was mixed, with some viewers captivated by its grand scale and powerful themes, while others struggled with its complex narrative structure and lengthy runtime. In the years following its release, however, the film has gained a significant following and is now widely regarded as a classic of silent cinema. Critily notes that \"Intolerance\" has been praised for its innovative filmmaking techniques and its exploration of timely and relevant themes, solidifying its place in film history. Today, it holds an impressive IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%." } } ] }
