Skip to content

INTOLERANCE (LOVE’S STRUGGLE THROUGHOUT THE AGES)

Written By:

John Townsend
intolerancelovesstruggle

BLU-RAY REVIEW: INTOLERANCE (LOVE’S STRUGGLE THROUGHOUT THE AGES) / CERT: PG / DIRECTOR: D.W. GRIFFITH / SCREENPLAY: VARIOUS / STARRING: LILLIAN GISH, CONSTANCE TALMADGE, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, SPOTTISWOODE AITKEN / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

It would be understandable if a filmmaker who had just produced a film considered the most controversial of his generation, and possibly of any generation, would take a little time to consider his next move and perhaps maintain a low profile. Not D. W. Griffith. Unable to understand some of the reactions to The Birth of a Nation (reactions that included rioting after several screenings) he set about creating a silent epic to surpass all epics, embarking on a production that would raise filmmaking standards to a level that has rarely been equalled, and arguably never bettered.

Upon its release in 1916, Intolerance (Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages) was the most expensive motion picture ever made, estimated at $2.5 million, the equivalent to $47 million in 2014 money, with a huge central cast including leading silent film stars Lillian Gish and Constance Talmadge. There were also over 3.000 extras. Weaving four unrelated yet similarly-themed stories set across the ages, Griffith determined that intolerance was a blight on humanity and suppressed developing civilisations. Edited together with masterful intricacy is a Babylonian story remarkably depicting the fall of Babylon itself; a Judean tale dealing with the crucifixion of Christ; a French story relating the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre; and a modern American tale of class struggle and the search for justice.

It may seem somewhat curious that a director who struggled to understand the response to a film that featured blacked-up white actors, blatantly racist politics, and an origin story for the Ku Klux Klan, as The Birth of a Nation did, would then tackle the subject of intolerance for his next project. But that is exactly what Griffith did, and he did so with spectacular results. Even when judged by modern standards when anything and everything can be shown on screen, when arguably some of the magic of cinema is missing due to an audience’s over-exposure to the fantastic, Intolerance is jaw-droppingly awe-inspiring. Some of the set pieces, in particular during the Babylonian thread, are of such a scale as to inspire wonderment at how it could have been possible at all. The battle scenes rival The Lord of the Rings for their choreography and majesty, but dwarf even those with the knowledge that each performance is physical and not the work of a computer effect. That is not to denigrate Peter Jackson’s achievements, but it does certainly provide some perspective to the comparison.

The interesting thing is that Intolerance is more than likely a film that has passed most casual film fans by. Overshadowed by its controversial predecessor, and initially a flop at the box office, this is a film that only through the passing of time has received the plaudits it deserves. In fact, so great was its failing in 1916 that it almost single-handedly brought about the failure and subsequent sale of Triangle Film Corporation, the studio behind the production.

Watching it now it is easy to see influences on the history of cinema, and it is interesting that in a time when a three-hour running time is becoming the norm, a visionary filmmaker was demonstrating how that time could be used nearly 100 years ago. Intolerance has a grandeur that few films of any era have captured and is an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection. For that matter, it is really a film that should be seen at least once by everyone.

Special Features: Orchestral score by composter Carl Davis / Two feature-length films by Griffith / ‘Three Hour That Shook the World’ documentary / 56-page booklet
 

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR ON TWITTER @STARBURST_MAG

Find your local STARBURST stockist HERE, or buy direct from us HERE. For our digital edition (available to read on your iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows 8, Samsung and/or Huawei device – all for just £1.99), visit MAGZTER DIGITAL NEWSSTAND.

CLICK TO BUY!

MORE FROM AROUND THE WEB:

John Townsend

You May Also Like...

First-Look Images and Sizzle Reel for Disturbing Shocker CARA

You can now get your first look at the upcoming disturbing kitchen sink horror film CARA, directed by Hayden Hewitt (Lips) and starring Ellie O’Hara, Johnny Vivash, Laurence R. Harvey,
Read More
chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More