Q: In Micheaux’s film, how does the depiction of the African American characters differ from that of Griffith (both narratively and aesthetically)? Are all of his characters clear-cut heroes or villains, like in Griffith’s film? Compare the final mob scene of Birth of a Nation with that of this film. In what ways are they similar or different?

A: Micheaux’s film depicts African Americans as human rather than D.W. Griffith’s narrative of them being evil or out to see the downfall of white civilization. Micheaux actually uses black actors as opposed to Griffith’s wanton use of blackface.

Within Our Gates‘ story is a tad convoluted in my opinion, but so is Birth of a Nation’s. The cinematography was much better in The Birth of a Nation, but the narrative of Within Our Gates is much better in terms of morals. Micheaux’s characters are not clear cut antagonists or protagonists, they are very human and I think he does this on purpose. In a way, to juxtapose his film and Griffiths film where African Americans were portrayed as sub-human monsters.

The end scene of TBoaN was much better cinematographically than Within Our Gates but the mob scene for the latter seemed like it had a better lead up than TBoaN’s lead up.