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Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1928 Vision of D.W. Griffith
Witnessing the stylistic transformation of Comedy through The Battle of the Sexes reveals the provocative questions that D.W. Griffith poses to the United States audience. Exploring the nuances of the human condition with Comedy flair, it showcases the power of Comedy as a tool for social commentary.
In The Battle of the Sexes, D.W. Griffith pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
While deeply rooted in United States, The Battle of the Sexes has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Comedy tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1928 release.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of D.W. Griffith's style and the core Comedy narrative.
Gum-chewing frizzy-haired gold-digger Marie Skinner cooks up a scheme with her lover Babe Winsor, a jazz hound, to fleece a portly, middle-aged real estate tycoon, William Judson. Marie moves into Judson's apartment building and contrives to meet and seduce him, plying him with compliments, music, swoons, décolletage, and batted eyes. When his loyal wife (and their two children) see him out catting with Marie at a night club, mom's devastated and confronts him. He moves out. Babe wants Marie to sell Judson worthless bonds. Will mom commit suicide? Will sis shoot the floozy? Will pops figure out he's being a fool?
Decades after its release, The Battle of the Sexes remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying D.W. Griffith's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.