D.W. Griffith

Born in rural Kentucky, David Wark Griffith is hailed as a revolutionary figure in cinema, credited with unlocking the potential of film techniques to convey a rich and expressive language. His career began in the late 19th century, initially exploring acting and writing before delving into directing at American Mutoscope & Biograph Co., where he directed over four hundred short films. Collaborating with his cinematographer G.W. Bitzer, Griffith refined cinematic devices such as the iris shot and mask, pioneering many aspects of film editing and expanding the art of the narrative film. He gained widespread recognition for his mastery of cinematic language with his crowning achievement, "The Birth of a Nation" (1915), which also sparked controversy for its racist themes, leading to riots and criticism from the NAACP. Beyond his controversial works, he co-founded United Artists, enabling filmmakers to create on their terms. Griffith's understanding of film techniques revolutionized storytelling, earning him a place as one of cinema's most influential figures.