Who directed Birth of a Nation, the controversial silent film?

Who directed Birth of a Nation, the controversial silent film?

• A. D. W. Griffith
• B. Charlie Chaplin
• C. Steven Spielberg
• D. Alfred Hitchcock

Answer: (A)

D. W. Griffith directed Birth of a Nation. This 1915 silent feature is notable for its ambitious storytelling techniques and technical innovations that helped establish feature-length narratives in Hollywood. At the same time, it sparked intense controversy for its racist portrayal of African Americans and its sympathetic depiction of the Ku Klux Klan, which turned the film into a major public debate about race and cinema. The other names listed are famous filmmakers from different eras or genres who did not direct this film—Charlie Chaplin was a star and director of comedy works, while Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock are associated with later periods and distinct styles.

D. W. Griffith directed Birth of a Nation. This 1915 silent feature is notable for its ambitious storytelling techniques and technical innovations that helped establish feature-length narratives in Hollywood. At the same time, it sparked intense controversy for its racist portrayal of African Americans and its sympathetic depiction of the Ku Klux Klan, which turned the film into a major public debate about race and cinema. The other names listed are famous filmmakers from different eras or genres who did not direct this film—Charlie Chaplin was a star and director of comedy works, while Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock are associated with later periods and distinct styles.