Intolerance

Dir. D.W.Griffith (1916).
Griffith’s most influential picture is an innovative but flawed masterpiece. This epic consists of four intercut stories supposed to demonstrate different kinds of intolerance—a modern segment with elements of social criticism, a Biblical story, the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572 in France, and an episode set in ancient Babylon. Parts are unforgettable, notably the famous crane shot at Belshazzar’s Feast, and the bravura climax in which the director cuts from story to story and period to period with increasing rapidity.

Sat., Feb. 20, 3:30 p.m., 2010