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Occupy the Cinema: With The Birth of A Nation, Nat Turner Lives!

Mon, 10/3/2016 - by Bill Arceneaux

“Nat Turner Lives!”

Scrawled across posters for D.W. Griffith’s famed early days of cinema adaptation of The Klansmen, re-titled "The Birth of a Nation" with pride and without sarcasm or satire, are the graffiti words “Nat Turner Lives!” This is a clever promotion of actor/writer/director Nate Parker’s new film, also titled "The Birth of a Nation," but with senses of fire, hindsight and reappropriation.

Alone, titling a Nat Turner slave rebellion movie after a KKK propagandistic blockbuster is as audacious as it gets. Immediately, when Griffith’s movie is brought up, there’s almost a forgiveness by some critics, who note its historical place in changing the format of narrative filmmaking. However important it may be in that respect, it was just as ugly a picture then as it is today. Daring to suggest that things haven’t changed all that much a century later is bravely poking and provoking – but has something powerful, if over the top, to say as well. Of course, we live in absurd times, so “over the top” storytelling might just be what helps break down walls.

We open Nate Parker’s film with a tribal meeting of elders, around a black boy with unique birthmarks. He is labeled as a chosen one, someone who will lead his people one day. Throughout the story, we see Nat (the young boy turned grown man) learn from the Bible and live as humbly as possible, even when witnessing atrocity after atrocity. Until, of course, he can take no more. This Birth of a Nation presents Nat as a messiah-like figure, almost like a prophet, who is destined to change things for the better and bust the chains of bondage. Ironically, the very book used by slavers to defend and justify their power will be the paper they die by. And it will be glorious.

It could be said that using Christ-like imagery and implications, not to mention sequences that over glorify Nat, might be seen as pretentious. Too indulgent. Yes, I agree, the movie is both at times. However, this is all properly balanced with a righteous eye and a fiery heart. It’s clear that this movie isn’t just a trip through history, but a reminder of now.

Jackie Earle Haley’s performance as a slave catcher, for example, is dead on as a representation of today’s militarized police. The revolt that Nat eventually leads can be seen as an exaggerated and violent impression of peaceful Black Lives Matter protests – which are often perceived as exaggerated and violent. The alternative voices in power have been talking long enough. Maybe to even the playing field, a little or a lot of bravado and brashness is needed. Call it full of itself all you want, I say it’s loud and about time.

What "V for Vendetta" was to the W. Bush administration, "The Birth of a Nation" is to the America that has fostered and built up people like Donald Trump. Certainly, it recalls movies like "12 Years a Slave" and "Selma," which had completely different philosophies. "12 Years" was a humanist drama and struggle for survival. "Selma" was stoic strength in the face of ignorance and anger. "Birth of a Nation"? It’s a garbage can flying through a pizzeria window. I dare not say that it promotes Nat’s literal actions, but I will interpret it as using the revolt he lad as a way to get us all off our collective asses. Take to the streets. Get emotional. Get motivated.

Turning a racist cinematic landmark and turning it on its head, suggesting that Nat Turner’s fight was the real, or the new, birth of America, is a head spinner to say the least. You wanted attention? You got it. The film is a reflection of our times in a way that many don’t want to see it acknowledged – saying things we all have on our minds but can’t bring ourselves to say. As a film, it is a cathartic experience The pen is mightier than the sword, and the same can be said for the moving image.

Does Parker’s "Nation" beat Griffith’s "Birth"? Time will tell, but the very craft used by D.W. gave way to this movie. The foundation of modern film was built on exploitation, but now it’s gonna hold up a monument to the battles against. That’s quite the statement, I think.