America

Plot

Set during the American Revolutionary War, the film follows the story of Nathan Holden, a young patriot who falls in love with Nancy Montague, the daughter of a wealthy Tory family loyal to the British crown. Their romance is tested by the political divisions of the era as Nathan joins the Continental Army while Nancy's family remains loyal to King George III. The film portrays key events of the revolution including the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's ride, and the Battle of Bunker Hill, with the personal drama unfolding against this historical backdrop. As the war progresses, Nathan is captured by British forces and imprisoned, leading Nancy to risk her own safety to help him escape. The film culminates with the American victory and the reconciliation of the lovers as the new nation begins to take shape.

Historical Background

The film was produced in 1923-1924, a period of intense nationalism in America following World War I. The country was experiencing a wave of patriotic sentiment, and there was renewed interest in the founding fathers and the Revolutionary War. This was also a time when Hollywood was establishing itself as the global center of film production, and directors like Griffith were attempting to elevate cinema to the level of high art. The early 1920s saw the rise of historical epics as a popular genre, with films like 'The Ten Commandments' (1923) and 'The Covered Wagon' (1923) achieving great success. Griffith's film tapped into this trend while also reflecting his personal interest in American history and his belief that cinema could educate as well as entertain.

Making Of

The production of 'America' was marked by Griffith's obsessive attention to historical detail and his determination to create an epic on par with his earlier successes like 'The Birth of a Nation' and 'Intolerance'. The filming of the battle sequences was particularly challenging, requiring the coordination of thousands of extras, horses, and military equipment. Griffith reportedly spent months researching the Revolutionary War period, consulting with historians to ensure accuracy in costumes, architecture, and military tactics. The relationship between Griffith and his star Carol Dempster created tension on set, as many cast and crew members felt she was miscast and only kept the role due to her personal relationship with the director. The film's elaborate sets were so impressive that they were preserved and used in subsequent historical films for years.

Visual Style

The cinematography, overseen by Hendrik Sartov and G.W. Bitzer, represents some of the finest work of the silent era. The film employs innovative camera techniques including sweeping panoramic shots of battlefields and elaborate tracking shots that follow characters through colonial towns. The use of natural lighting in outdoor scenes creates a realistic atmosphere, while the controlled lighting of interior scenes demonstrates the sophistication of studio cinematography at the time. The film also makes effective use of color tinting, with different tints used to indicate time of day and emotional tone. The battle sequences feature some of the most complex camera movements of the era, with cameras placed on moving platforms to capture the scale of the action.

Innovations

The film featured several technical innovations for its time, including the use of multiple cameras to capture large-scale battle sequences from different angles simultaneously. The production employed what was then considered state-of-the-art special effects techniques to create realistic battle scenes, including the use of miniatures for certain wide shots and carefully orchestrated explosions. The film's editing was particularly advanced for the period, with Griffith using cross-cutting techniques to build tension during action sequences. The production also pioneered new methods for crowd control and coordination, developing systems for directing thousands of extras in complex battle formations. The elaborate set construction techniques developed for this film influenced subsequent historical productions.

Music

As a silent film, 'America' was accompanied by live musical performances during its theatrical run. The original score was composed by Louis F. Gottschalk and was designed to enhance the film's patriotic themes and dramatic moments. The score incorporated popular American folk songs of the Revolutionary period as well as original compositions that reflected the film's emotional arc. Different theaters often used their own musical arrangements, with larger venues employing full orchestras while smaller theaters used piano or organ accompaniment. The music was synchronized with the on-screen action using detailed cue sheets that specified which pieces should be played during particular scenes.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics were divided on 'America'. While many praised Griffith's technical achievements and the film's visual grandeur, others criticized its pacing, melodramatic elements, and historical inaccuracies. The New York Times noted that 'Griffith has spared no expense in creating his vision of revolutionary America, but the human drama gets lost in the spectacle.' Modern critics generally view the film as a flawed but important work in Griffith's filmography. They acknowledge its technical brilliance while noting that it represents the beginning of Griffith's decline as a major creative force in Hollywood. The film is often studied today for its historical significance as one of the last major silent epics.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a commercial disappointment, failing to attract the audiences that had made Griffith's earlier films so successful. Many viewers found the film too long and overly serious, particularly compared to the more entertaining comedies and dramas being produced by other studios. The romantic subplot failed to connect with audiences, partly due to the lack of chemistry between the leads. However, the battle sequences were widely praised by those who saw the film, and many contemporary viewers appreciated Griffith's attempt to create a serious historical epic. The poor reception contributed to Griffith's growing financial problems and his eventual loss of creative control over his productions.

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