Intolerance

This groundbreaking silent film interweaves four parallel stories from different historical periods, all connected by the theme of intolerance. The narratives span ancient Babylon, Judea during the time of Christ, 16th-century France, and a contemporary (1916) American setting. Each story depicts how societal prejudice, religious dogma, and political power lead to suffering and destruction. The film's ambitious scope and powerful message aim to condemn bigotry and champion human understanding.

Upon its release, 'Intolerance' was met with a mix of awe and confusion due to its complex structure and immense scale. While some critics praised its artistic innovation and powerful message, others found it overwhelming and didactic. Over time, its significance as a landmark of early cinema has been widely recognized, influencing future filmmakers with its narrative techniques and thematic depth, though its initial commercial performance was not as successful as Griffith's previous film, 'The Birth of a Nation'.

• A monumental and ambitious achievement in early filmmaking.

• Praised for its innovative narrative structure and powerful anti-bigotry message.

• Despite its critical acclaim, its complex storytelling was sometimes seen as challenging for audiences of its time.

Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available through aggregated Google reviews for this historical silent film.

Considered one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, a landmark in cinema history. Nominated for inclusion in the National Film Registry.

The film was so epic in scope that D.W. Griffith famously financed it himself, leading to financial strain. The iconic 'Mountains of Babel' set was reportedly so massive that it had to be built outside of the studio system on a large plot of land.