Way Down East Review #2

I was fascinated by the movie Way Down East for two main reasons: 1) the production value is extraordinary considering the time it was created and 2) having recently watched Birth of a Nation it was apparent that D.W. Griffith had matured into what I will now consider one of the greatest directors of all time. 
The story is complicated but told in a fluid fashion.  The acting is really well done.  I remember being infatuated with Lillian Gish after seeing the film Broken Blossoms several years ago where she played an abused woman who falls in love with someone of a different race.  She nailed that role and I was amazed at what she could do sans words.  Her performance in Way Down East is heartwrenching at times - she plays "wounded" with as much sympathy in her face as I've ever seen.  I'm going to arbitrarily credit her with creating the term "puppy dog eyes."  The only comparable performance that comes to mind is from Bjork in Dancer in the Dark.
Girl by Locker did a great job summarizing some of the more powerful scenes.  And yes, the final action sequence on ice is all the more amazing when you learn it was shot on location.  That's dedication to the craft.  What I've really enjoyed about the first two movies in our study group is that they both have a specific message that the writer/director wants to tell.  I don't agree with the Birth of a Nation message but I applaud the fact that both these films were made because the writer/director had a message to tell.  You get the sense that Griffith would say that the movies HAD to be made.  You can sense the passion.  They are the types of movies that are perfect for running next door to the local watering hole and sharing a pint over in-depth discussion.  Love those movies.  In any case, I rated it a 3 out of 5. 

Next movie will be released this evening.  Stay tuned...