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A Misunderstood Boy

A Misunderstood Boy (1913)

Apr 19, 1913 17m Drama

Everything he did seemed to be misconstrued, except by the little lady he loved. The town roisters made fun of her and his love. That made trouble and the chief vigilante believed him the cause of it all. So he was "in wrong" all around. The girl's father also sided with the opinion of the world, and sent both the boy and girl away. Mother was on a visit at the time, and therein the need of such a one at home was proved, for once back she sent the father out to bring them home again. The boy in the gold hills had been misunderstood again. Marauding merchants had left their victim on the mountain pass and the boy, coming on the scene, was again accused, but the lie in the end destroyed itself.

Directed by D.W. Griffith

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • D.W. Griffith
Writer
  • Christy Cabanne

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, A Misunderstood Boy 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 1913, 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 A Misunderstood Boy took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 17 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 66 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1913, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Misunderstood Boy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Wings of Youth, which focuses more on action than character development, A Misunderstood Boy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Triplets of Belleville and A Beautiful Rush explore similar territory, A Misunderstood Boy stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: April 19, 1913
  • Runtime: 17m

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