The film The Birth of a Nation (1915) is often erroneously associated with other silent films. In fact, Intolerance (1916), while stylistically similar and often compared to Griffith’s controversial epic, was directed by another influential, albeit less controversial, filmmaker of the era: Thomas H. Ince.
Debunking the Griffith Myth: Intolerance and the Ince Legacy
D.W. Griffith, a name synonymous with early American cinema, holds a towering position in film history. He’s credited with pioneering many techniques that became staples of filmmaking, from close-ups to cross-cutting. However, his immense influence has also led to occasional misattributions of films made by his contemporaries. Intolerance, a massive and ambitious production itself, is one such case. While visually and thematically resonant with Griffith’s oeuvre, especially given its release shortly after The Birth of a Nation, its direction falls firmly under the purview of Thomas H. Ince, a visionary producer and director in his own right.
Ince, sometimes called the “Father of the Western,” established the Inceville studio (later Paramount Ranch) and innovated the production process. His focus on pre-production planning, detailed shooting scripts, and specialized roles for crew members streamlined filmmaking and significantly increased efficiency. Intolerance, while certainly influenced by Griffith’s grand style, demonstrably carries Ince’s fingerprints. To further clarify this, let’s delve into some common questions surrounding this film and Griffith’s involvement (or lack thereof).
Understanding the Nuances: Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we address some of the common misconceptions and explore the relationship between D.W. Griffith and Intolerance, clarifying the true authorship of this significant silent film.
Question 1: Was Intolerance really NOT directed by D.W. Griffith? I’ve heard otherwise.
Yes, definitively. While Griffith’s impact on cinema is undeniable, Intolerance was directed by Thomas H. Ince. This information is readily available in filmographies, scholarly articles, and historical records pertaining to both filmmakers. Misattribution might stem from stylistic similarities and the film’s immediate follow-up to The Birth of a Nation.
Question 2: What are the stylistic similarities between Intolerance and Griffith’s work that lead to the confusion?
Both films feature grand scale productions, elaborate sets, and similar cinematic techniques prevalent in the silent era. Griffith is known for his use of parallel editing (cross-cutting) and innovative camera movements. Ince adopted some of these techniques in Intolerance, leading to visual parallels. Moreover, both directors tackled ambitious, complex narratives, creating films that felt monumental in scope.
Question 3: If Ince directed Intolerance, what was Griffith doing at the time?
Following the release of The Birth of a Nation in 1915, which sparked significant controversy due to its racist depictions, Griffith spent the next year (1916) focused on other projects. Intolerance was released that same year but had a different creative team spearheading the project.
Question 4: Who were the key actors and crew members involved in Intolerance?
Intolerance starred Lillian Gish (who also worked with Griffith), Mae Marsh, Robert Harron, and Constance Talmadge. The cinematography was handled by numerous individuals, a common practice for large-scale productions in the silent era. Due to Ince’s structured production style, many roles within the crew were specialized.
Question 5: What is Intolerance actually about?
Intolerance weaves together four distinct historical narratives – a Babylonian tale, the story of Christ, the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, and a modern American story – to illustrate the destructive effects of intolerance throughout human history. It’s a sprawling and ambitious film designed to showcase the consequences of prejudice and oppression across different eras.
Question 6: Was Griffith influenced by Intolerance, or vice versa?
The influence is arguably more likely from Griffith to Ince. Griffith’s groundbreaking techniques paved the way for filmmakers like Ince to experiment with similar approaches. However, the success of Intolerance likely also influenced Griffith, contributing to the ongoing development of film language during the silent era. It’s a cyclical relationship of innovation and inspiration.
Question 7: Where can I find accurate information about film directors and their works?
Reputable sources include the American Film Institute (AFI) catalog, the British Film Institute (BFI) database, the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) (though information should be cross-verified), academic journals specializing in film studies, and biographies of filmmakers written by recognized scholars. Consulting multiple sources is always recommended.
Question 8: Why is it important to correctly attribute films to their respective directors?
Accurate attribution is crucial for historical accuracy, crediting the artistic vision of the true creator. Misattributions diminish the accomplishments of filmmakers like Ince and contribute to a distorted understanding of film history. Recognizing the contributions of diverse filmmakers enriches our appreciation of the art form’s evolution.
Question 9: Did Ince and Griffith ever collaborate on any films?
While both were prominent figures in the early film industry, there is no documented evidence of a direct collaborative project between D.W. Griffith and Thomas H. Ince. They operated within the same circles and were undoubtedly aware of each other’s work, but their career paths remained distinct.
Question 10: What were some of Ince’s other notable films besides Intolerance?
Ince was a prolific filmmaker. Some of his other notable works include Civilization (1916), a pacifist film released the same year as Intolerance, and numerous Westerns that solidified his reputation as a pioneer of the genre. He was also a successful producer, overseeing the creation of many films at his Inceville studio.
Question 11: What happened to Thomas H. Ince? His career seems to have ended abruptly.
Thomas H. Ince died under mysterious circumstances in 1924 at the age of 42. The official cause of death was reported as heart failure, but rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding his death persist to this day, involving figures like William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies. The truth remains largely unresolved, adding a layer of intrigue to his already fascinating legacy.
Question 12: How can I watch Intolerance today? Is it easily accessible?
Intolerance is available on DVD and Blu-ray. Streaming options may vary depending on your region. Many libraries and film archives also possess copies of the film for viewing. As a significant work of silent cinema, Intolerance is generally considered readily accessible for those interested in viewing it.
The Lasting Impact: Recognizing Ince’s Contributions
Correcting the misattribution of Intolerance is more than just a matter of factual accuracy; it’s about acknowledging the diverse talents that shaped the early days of cinema. While D.W. Griffith holds a deservedly prominent place in film history, Thomas H. Ince’s contributions as a director, producer, and innovator should not be overlooked. By accurately crediting his work, we gain a richer and more complete understanding of the vibrant and experimental world of early filmmaking and the complex web of influences that shaped the movies we know today. Ince’s structured production methods and ambitious projects like Intolerance left an indelible mark, solidifying his place as a key figure in the development of Hollywood.