Way Down East, another silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith which tells the story of Anna Moore (Lillian Gish), a young woman who is tricked into a fake marriage, rendered destitute, and left alone by the man she thought she trusted. Surviving harsh conditions, she eventually finds true love with the affluent Lennox Sanderson (Lowell Sherman).
The movie is well-crafted and well acted for it's time, although from today's perspective it feels a little forced and unreal at times. It features one of the most iconic uses of cross-cutting in silent film, where it alternates between Anna being cruelly abandoned and then discovering her newfound love. It also features a pretty impressive recreation of a blizzard, and an exciting climax atop a large piece of ice.
The film also succeeds in conveying a powerful message about the prevalence of social class in early twentieth-century America. Throughout the movie, Anna is oppressed and isolated by her lower-class status. At the same time, Sanderson's wealth offers protection, allowing him to pay off the debts owed by Anna's mother and set her free from a dismal fate.
Overall, Way Down East is an excellent example of early Hollywood filmmaking that still resonates today. It has quality performances and a moving story, and one that illustrates the importance of social standing and the power of love.
The movie is well-crafted and well acted for it's time, although from today's perspective it feels a little forced and unreal at times. It features one of the most iconic uses of cross-cutting in silent film, where it alternates between Anna being cruelly abandoned and then discovering her newfound love. It also features a pretty impressive recreation of a blizzard, and an exciting climax atop a large piece of ice.
The film also succeeds in conveying a powerful message about the prevalence of social class in early twentieth-century America. Throughout the movie, Anna is oppressed and isolated by her lower-class status. At the same time, Sanderson's wealth offers protection, allowing him to pay off the debts owed by Anna's mother and set her free from a dismal fate.
Overall, Way Down East is an excellent example of early Hollywood filmmaking that still resonates today. It has quality performances and a moving story, and one that illustrates the importance of social standing and the power of love.