What cinematic technique is D.W. Griffith most renowned for pioneering?

D.W. Griffith is most renowned for pioneering narrative storytelling and editing techniques, which fundamentally shaped the way films are made and understood. His innovative approach included the use of cross-cutting, or parallel editing, which allows for simultaneous action in different locations, creating suspense and enhancing the narrative complexity. Griffith's film "The Birth of a Nation," while controversial for its subject matter, demonstrated many of these techniques effectively, setting standards for future filmmakers in terms of structure and narrative flow.

Moreover, he introduced the concept of character development through action and emotion, helping audiences to become more engaged with the storyline and characters. This emphasis on storytelling laid the groundwork for modern filmmaking and established a language of cinema that is still utilized today. Other options, such as computer-generated imagery, color grading, and documentary style, emerged much later in film history and do not pertain to Griffith's contributions.