Cast
Tully Marshall
High Priest of Bel
Constance Talmadge
The Mountain Girl
Alfred Paget
Prince Belshazzar
Carl Stockdale
Nabonidus, King of Babylonia
Seena Owen
Attarea
Loyola O'Connor
Attarea's Slave
Crew
Director
- D.W. Griffith
Writer
- D.W. Griffith
Producer
- D.W. Griffith
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Fall of Babylon examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director D.W. Griffith brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1919, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Fall of Babylon took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 63 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 83 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1253 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 185 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1919, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Fall of Babylon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Baby Boy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Fall of Babylon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages and Summer of Sam explore similar territory, The Fall of Babylon stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 21, 1919
- Runtime: 1h 3m
Where to Watch
