Birth of a Nation
The momentum of this movie was sluggish, especially the
first third. The problem with doing a true story, the ending (for the most
part) is known. The lead up to the climax
drags on a bit and anticipation can be a distraction. Early scenes were a combination of benevolent treatment
of young Nat by his masters interspersed with brutalization of slaves by their
owners. These horrible acts molded Turner’s character and would serve as a catalyst
later on.
His elders’ saw Nat
Turner as a scared child and a future leader. Early on he was tutored to read,
but the Bible was the only book slaves were permitted to read. In turn he
became a slave preacher. To make money his owner took him to different plantations
to preach to the slaves. The real purpose was not religious instruction but another
form of control. At these plantations, the cruelties he witnessed seared his mind.
We (most of us) have seen the brutality of slavery from films
like” Twelve Years a Slave” and “Roots”, nevertheless some scenes depicted were
hard to watch (I closed my eyes during one shot). If the “N” word bothers you
or seeing lots and lots of lynchings disturbs you, this not your movie. I do
not wish to diminish the historical importance the Nat Turner’s revolt but
reading about it and seeing it are two different things. This is a heroic
movie, but tough to watch.
The lead actor is Nate Parker. The director is Nate Parker;
the author is Nate Parker and the producer is Nate Parker. His work is commendable;
but perhaps another set of eyes would have brought a different perspective.
Parker’s acting was commendable and in the horrific last scenes more demanding.
He was more effective as an avenging messianic leader than a soft-spoken
preacher.
Armie Hammer plays Turner’s master. They go from boyhood
friends to beneficent master to slave whipping owner. Hammer is so laid back he
sleeps in most scenes. He portrays the dilemmas of befriending a slave and holding
him accountable for transgressions required in ways dictated at the time.
Penelope Ann Miller played the wife of the slave owner, I did not recognize her.
Time is a cruel master.
If you are not familiar with the Nat Turner revolt of 1831,
see the movie first. The Nat Turner revolt is pivotal in American history; it portends
the Civil War.
p.s.-This movie has
nothing to do with W.D. Griffith’s “Birth of a Nation”-1915.
