Which director is credited with establishing basic film grammar?

The correct choice is DW Griffith, as he is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the development of film grammar during the early years of cinema. Griffith's innovations include the use of close-ups, cross-cutting, and a variety of editing techniques that enhanced narrative storytelling in films. His work on films like "The Birth of a Nation" and "Intolerance" not only pushed the boundaries of cinematic techniques but also emphasized emotional engagement with the audience, making him a pioneering figure in establishing the foundational language of film.

While other directors mentioned have made noteworthy contributions to film, they are not primarily credited with the establishment of basic film grammar. Sergei Eisenstein is known for his theory of montage, focusing on how editing can convey meaning; Edwin S. Porter contributed to narrative structure and technical innovations but did not define grammar in the same way as Griffith; and Alfred Hitchcock is celebrated for his mastery of suspense and psychological depth in storytelling rather than for the foundational elements of film grammar itself.