Slavery was a dark and controversial time in the United States’ history. Many historians, writers and filmmakers have tried to use their talents to analyze, dissect and portray the different perspectives and stories that have come from that time. In The Birth of a Nation, Nate Parker stars and directs a film that tries to artistically broadcast the famed slaved uprising as an inevitable and heroic stance. The movie illustrates Nat Turner’s story while, filling the gaps of the tale since not much is known about Nat Turner, other than his uprising. By using different lighting techniques, artistic camera angles and traditional editing, Parker attempts to create a cinematic piece that evokes emotion from the audience.
The Birth of a Nation tells the story of Nat …show more content…
All of the actors in this film are highly qualified and completely believable in their roles. However, it’s unfortunate that the writing and editing did not allow them to explore their characters or expose the audience to their characters as well as it could have. The film, although beautifully captured, has trouble with it’s pacing, particularly in the context of it’s characters and storyline. When the audience is introduced to Nathaniel, he’s considered to be “the good slave”. He’s a preacher and a peacemaker who has been touched by God and is liked by his master (Armie Hammer). The film exhibits events that try to explain Turner’s sudden change. His revelation is supposed to be brought on by seeing the violence that’s taking place at the other plantations or when his wife Cherry (Aja Naomi King) and Esther (Gabrielle Union) are sexually assaulted and brutally beaten by three white men. However, the change felt too immediate and lacked build up. This seems to be a consistent problem with all the characters. Their reactions aren’t natural but, are created
The Birth of a Nation tells the story of Nat …show more content…
All of the actors in this film are highly qualified and completely believable in their roles. However, it’s unfortunate that the writing and editing did not allow them to explore their characters or expose the audience to their characters as well as it could have. The film, although beautifully captured, has trouble with it’s pacing, particularly in the context of it’s characters and storyline. When the audience is introduced to Nathaniel, he’s considered to be “the good slave”. He’s a preacher and a peacemaker who has been touched by God and is liked by his master (Armie Hammer). The film exhibits events that try to explain Turner’s sudden change. His revelation is supposed to be brought on by seeing the violence that’s taking place at the other plantations or when his wife Cherry (Aja Naomi King) and Esther (Gabrielle Union) are sexually assaulted and brutally beaten by three white men. However, the change felt too immediate and lacked build up. This seems to be a consistent problem with all the characters. Their reactions aren’t natural but, are created