In 1915 director D.W. Griffith created the film Birth of a Nation which attempted to summarize the Civil War and Reconstruction period. Using innovative film-making techniques such as iris effects, focusing, varied shot distances, and editing - Griffith created a masterpiece for the time. Unfortunately Griffith also twisted history and used racist propaganda to distort the Reconstruction Era. Moreover, Birth conceives racism and stereotypes in film which continue right through to the present in film and television.
As you view Birth of a Nation - list both positive and negative aspects of the film. You will have to write an essay on this after the film.
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