6. The Birth of a Nation (1915). Following the release of several European film epics, D.W. Griffith sought to create a uniquely American epic. The resulting work rewrote the language of film production with aggressive direction, innovative editing, and a deliberately provocative narrative that recklessly courted controversy. Even at this late date, the mere mention of this film’s title creates agitation and anger among viewers who cannot forgive Griffith’s crassly racist subject matter.