Intolerance

Griffith embarked on this ambitious project in response to the reception of Birth of a Nation (1915), the epic tale of two families during the Civil War. Griffith”s apparent acceptance of the Ku Klux Klan in this film was heavily criticized, and the director was accused of being a racist. Intolerance – now a century old – was meant to prove his critics wrong. Griffith”s chronicle of social injustice throughout the ages set out to clarify the “eternal battle between intolerance and love”.

In an audacious parallel montage, Griffith wove together four stories: his own times (the rise of the labour movement in California), the fall of Babylon, St Bartholomew”s Day massacre and the crucifixion of Christ. The heroine and connecting link is film star Lillian Gish, who appears in all four episodes.

Griffith proved to be a highly resourceful filmmaker: the episodes were tinted in separate colours (amber, blue, sepia, green), he made use of crane shots and cross-cuts, he shot some scenes on location while the stunning climax of the film relied on superb montage.

With live musical accompaniment by the New Zealand pianist John Sweeney, who specializes in accompanying silent film screenings. Sweeney regularly performs at BFI Southbank and is a much-sought after accompanist for dance performances.