Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
dir. D.W. Griffith · 1916
Human experience is marked by the destructive power of intolerance across time and cultures.
Feature
Moral Ambiguity
Mood
Melancholic / Contemplative
Look
grandiose, meticulously staged tableaux with dramatic lighting
Structure
interwoven historical narratives with a central thematic thread
Plot
The story of a poor young woman, separated by prejudice from her husband and baby, is interwoven with tales of intolerance from throughout history.
Why watch
"Intolerance" masterfully intertwines tales of love and suffering across the ages, presenting a poignant examination of societal prejudice that resonates powerfully even today. This silent epic invites viewers to reflect on the enduring nature of human intolerance through its grand visual storytelling.
Cultural context
early 20th-century Americathe rise of social movementsthe silent film eraracial and ethnic tensions