Silent-Era Cinema - Research Paper Example

Silent Era Cinema. Silent era films were characterized by the lack of sound effects in the sense that movie producers of the time were unable to incorporate sound into the motion of their pictures. This does not mean that there was an entire lack of sound accompanying the film because these motion pictures were accompanied by live orchestras. Lack of sound in the definition emanates from the fact that there was no dialogue from the characters and actors in the film. This is attributed to the fact that technology had not evolved to such an extent as to allow the incorporation of sound with motion picture. Voice overs or lectures were used as the common mode of giving the motion pictures substance and for increasing theatrical effect for the audiences. Through the study of various journals and documentary evidence, Silent era cinema can be insightful into the evolution of cinema in America and the world. Eadweard Muybridge is touted as the pioneer of motion pictures when he introduced series photography, which is cited as a significant contribution to the development of motion pictures. The Lumiere brothers invented the Cinematographe, which was filming device for shooting, projecting and printing motion pictures (Musser 59). Thus, these two individuals are credited for being the true fathers of cinema. The first films were referred to as ‘actualities’ maybe because of their depiction of the real life events that portrayed a semblance of reality to their audience. The use of the Lumiere Brothers’ invention made it possible for films to be exhibited to large audiences and for commercial purposes (Wasko 64). This led to the establishment of film companies and notable among them was the Edison Film Company that existed from 1893 to 1906. Early films from the Edison Company include Exiting the Factory, Arrival of a Train at La Ciota and Baby’s Lunch. Early were shots of everyday life activities and experiences, which run for less a minute and no more than 3 minutes to audiences mostly on shop front exhibitions (Everson 69). The emergence of the acting business is attributed to Edison through his films like Blacksmithing Scene, Three American Beauties and The Gay Shoe Clerk. These films were acted people who purposely participated in the film making exercise to earn an income out of their ability to produce desired outcomes for their intended audience. Another significant aspect of the Silent era of cinema is that it was mainly based in New York unlike today’s film industry that is predominantly based in Hollywood, California (Musser 73). Demolishing and Building up the Star Theatre, Dog Factory and Move On; all by the Edison Film Company saw the beginning of copyright laws regarding film and the patenting of film. The commercialization of the film industry gathered steam from this stage onwards, and according to Wasko (5), Hollywood will always garner the scrutiny it attracts up to date. The business side of film gains more attention on a daily basis for its economic potential and social influence. Wasko (5) gives examples of how this is achieved through the use of publications such as the Entertainment Weekly and Entertainment Tonight that are create the necessary attention grabbing headlines for the industry. Some individuals actively involved in the film industry in Hollywood occasionally provide the outside world with information and insights about the inner workings of the industry. The significance of Hollywood to the economy and social life of America creates a conducive environment for politics. Political economy dominates the corporate scene at Hollywood which is attributed to significantly contribute to the development of new genres, styles and stars (Wasko 6). Political economy represents a distinctly different approach to the study of film yet it possesses recognition within cinema studies (Mellen 63). Norman king explores the use of music as a core component of early film and how it acted as a transition to the use of speech in films eradicating silent film in the process. It is possible for the reader to assume that King is more appreciative of Silent film than she is of modern film. King’s praise of silent film’s use of music and the creativity it developed in the process is illustrated as an unfortunate event by the author. King refers to the film titled Napoleon of 1927 that even this late into the 20th century; it still did not use sound despite the fact that incorporation of sound in film was widely used (King 64). The use of motion pictures that are accompanied by music by orchestras or soloists is seen as a manifestation of a new art form. This is where theatrical performances are combined with it came to be known as cinema to create a new art form. King’s appreciation of this new manifestation of artistic expression is apparent and it is best illustrated by her description of various qualities of silent film (King 182). Modern Times starring Charlie Chaplin is considered to be a satirical perspective and socio-economic commentary on American society during the rapid industrialization. The film was produced and realized during the ‘Great Depression’. Charlie Chaplin sought to represent the common working man in his film, which saw him portray a tramp that is always at odds with the authorities. Just like previous films by Charlie Chaplin like City Lights and Gold Rush, Modern Times did not feature any dialogue between the characters. The film is silent with heavy reliance on music that is used to set the tone of the film (Everson 54). The music is well done and humorously played in line with the actions of the main characters. The music’s role is significant in changing the tone of the film by being in concert with the character’s current predicament. The music is effectively used in creating an atmosphere that influences the mood of the viewer (Musser 45). The film had limited voice over narratives, industrial noises and celebrated music and songs. This leaves the viewer of the film with the task of making conclusions about the film making them a participant in creating the story. The film industry evolved through leaps and bounds from the use of magic lanterns to projectors and the final incorporation of sound into motion pictures to create what is widely enjoyed today as cinema. The Silent Film Era was characterized by exemplary artistic talent and inventions, without which today’s cinema would not exist. Work Cited. Everson, K. W. America Silent Film. Da Capo Press. 2009. Print. King, N. "The sound of silents." Screen 25.3 (1984): 2-15. Print. Mellen, J. Modern Times. Illustrated Edition. California: University of California. 2010. Print. Musser, C. "Work, Ideology and Chaplins Tramp." Radical History Review1988.41 (1988): 37-66. Print. Wasko, et al. "Critiquing Hollywood: The Political Economy of Motion Pictures."." A Concise Handbook of Movie Industry Economics (2005): 5-31. Print. Read More