Way Down East

Way Down East is a silent romantic drama delivered by D.W. Griffith in 1920, featuring the inimitable talents of Lillian Gish, Richard Barthelmess, and Mrs. David Landau. Based on an earlier play from the 1890s by Lottie Blair Parker, Griffith's rendition presents a sweeping narrative that showcases his knack for creating engaging storylines and deep emotional resonance.

The movie thrusts us straight into the life of Anna Moore (Lillian Gish), a naïve and innocent country girl forced by circumstance to visit her affluent relatives in the bustling city. Gish's compelling and emotive portrayal of Anna Moore aptly lends the character a sense of dignity and an indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Her performance, ranging from demure innocence to courageous tenacity, anchors the movie and navigates us through the trials and triumphs of the character's life.

Berkeley, a flamboyant playboy played by Lowell Sherman, seeks to exploit Anna's naiveté through a false marriage, setting her on an unforeseen path of humiliation, isolation, and struggle. Gish's depiction of Anna's sorrow and strength in the face of such adversity echoes vibrantly throughout the film, encapsulating the human capability for resilience.

In the quaint rural community that Anna retreats to, the audience encounters the character of David Bartlett, enacted by Richard Barthelmess. A strong, silent yet sensitive archetype, Bartlett represents the beacon of hope and steadfast love in Anna's world of despair. Barthelmess's understated performance complements Gish's larger-than-life struggle, adding an additional layer of depth to the narrative.

The storyline utilizes various elements of melodrama, romance, and naturalist detailing to present a cinematic experience resounding with powerful themes and iconic scenes. The movie's climax, an iconic ice floe scene, calls for special mention, largely due to the raw intensity of the performance accompanied by fantastic camerawork.

Mrs. David Landau, in her role as Maria Poole, contributes a powerful supporting narrative - her loyalty and her strength of character provide a contrast to Anna's predicaments. Aggressive and stern, Landau's portrayal adds dynamic tension and complexity to the narrative.

A cohort of memorable characters surrounds Gish’s Anna, contributing their parts to this tapestry of human emotions. Each character is designed with multiple shades of human emotions, making them neither entirely good nor bad but human and relatable.

One cannot discuss Way Down East without acknowledging the directorial prowess of D.W.Griffith. Griffith’s filmmaking exudes an empathetic understanding of the social norms of the era and poignant explorations of the human life condition. His expert use of cross-cutting sequences and advancing close-up shots provide the silent film an emotional vocabulary that translates powerfully on screen.

Griffith’s striking settings, depicting the stark contrast of the city's opulence and the austerity of rural landscapes, serve as a silent character in the narrative. The movie endears itself to spectators for its portrayal of quaint rural landscapes and small-town charm, which should not be overlooked – they are as much a part of the narrative as the characters themselves.

Thematically, Way Down East grapples with socio-cultural norms, moral conundrums, hypocrisy, and resilience in the face of societal judgment. It is a celebration of female resilience, a testament to the female spirit that remains adaptable and resistant even under the harshest of circumstances. Above all else, it encapsulates the enduring power of love and the restorative power of acceptance.

Scores from the era’s approximately composed music yield a soundtrack that enhances the emotional intensity of scenes and the overall narrative. From the lighter, lilting music accompanying familial and romantic scenes to discordant, more tension-filled scores for dramatic moments, the sound design sets the perfect tone for the silent melodrama.

Overall, Way Down East is a cinematic gem that combines emotive storytelling, memorable performances, picturesque settings, and compelling direction. In this film, D.W.Griffith seeks to encapsulate not just a plot, but a lived experience that remains timeless in its narration. This corroborates why the movie holds a significant place in the classic silent era of American cinema.