Date of Birth: January 22, 1875
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: July 23, 1948
Biography
David Wark Griffith, known as D. W. Griffith, was an American film director, writer, and producer who is often referred to as the “father of modern cinema” for his pioneering techniques and contributions to the film industry. Born in La Grange, Kentucky, Griffith’s career began in the early 1900s, and he became one of the most influential figures in the development of the cinematic art form. Griffith initially pursued acting and writing before transitioning to directing. He joined the Biograph Company in 1908, where he directed hundreds of short films, developing new narrative techniques and establishing the language of film. His most famous work, “The Birth of a Nation” (1915), was both groundbreaking and controversial. It introduced advanced camera and narrative techniques but also faced significant criticism for its portrayal of African Americans and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the controversy, Griffith continued to innovate in the film industry with works like “Intolerance” (1916), “Broken Blossoms” (1919), and “Way Down East” (1920). His influence can be seen in the work of many filmmakers who followed him. Griffith’s career waned in the late 1920s, and he struggled to adapt to the advent of sound in cinema. He passed away in 1948, but his contributions to film have left an indelible mark on the industry.
5 Interesting Facts about D. W. Griffith
1. D. W. Griffith directed over 500 short films during his time with the Biograph Company.
2. “The Birth of a Nation” was the first film ever shown in the White House, viewed by President Woodrow Wilson.
3. Griffith co-founded United Artists in 1919 with Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks.
4. His film “Intolerance” (1916) was one of the most expensive films of its time, costing around $2 million.
5. Griffith’s innovations included the use of close-ups, fade-outs, and cross-cutting to build suspense.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from D. W. Griffith
1. “Movies are written in sand: applauded today, forgotten tomorrow.”
2. “The task I am trying to achieve is above all to make you see.”
3. “What the modern movie lacks is beauty—the beauty of the moving wind in the trees.”
4. “We have taken beauty and exchanged it for stilted voices.”
5. “The film maker should have his head in the clouds, but his feet on the ground.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, D. W. Griffith’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a significant amount during the early 20th century.
Children
D. W. Griffith did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [D. W. Griffith on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0347779/
2. [Biography of D. W. Griffith on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/D-W-Griffith
3. [D. W. Griffith on TCM](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/77729%7C37432/D-W-Griffith/
4. [The Birth of a Nation on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Birth_of_a_Nation
5. [D. W. Griffith on AllMovie](https://www.allmovie.com/artist/dw-griffith-p92131
