The best silent films during this era were those that told their stories to without the use of words. Their point of success was in their ability to demonstrate to the audience a substantial base of information upon which members of the deaf community for instance would develop a successful transition into the English language (Abel 1999, p. 23). Inasmuch as captions may have plated an essential role in the promotion of the objectives of the silent film, there were members of the community who could relate less with the captions due to their inability to read the said captions (Bowser 1994, p. 88). However, an effective understanding of non-verbal form of communication such as facial expression and the use of body language was perceived as the best platform for different members of the audience to adopt a successful approach to understanding the essence of the silent films (Dixon 2011, p. 36). During the late 1920, silent film actors such as Charlie Chaplin were considered favorites to deaf viewers.
This was based on the understanding that they were highly skilled in the limited use of lip movement and more use of body language and facial expression (Abel 1999, p. 37). The period of late 1920s was considered as the peak of silent films. This was due to high levels of popularity that the industry had acquired and the availability of a plethora of films. These films served as the substantive source and the content of student work in matters related to their understanding of journals, letters and their ability to participate in different essay contests (Dixon 2011, p. 40). By the end of 1926 for instance the silent film industry had gained more prominence and this explains the why schools in the United States such as the Indiana School for the Deaf had developed a culture where students could be engaged in film activities every Wednesday nights and Thursday morning (Dalton 1985, p. 37). The ability of deaf student to understand the films that they were watching were tested through an organization of different essay contests where student were to demonstrate their level of understanding of different silent films.
The evolution of the silent film industry was a relatively complicated process. This is because the industry was characterized new additions and development in cinema production, distribution of films and the exhibition process. The development of the Motion Pictures Patent Company (1908-1918) led to the setting up of trade and licensing bodies whose main role was to ensure dome level of control in the availability of low film stock (Dixon 2011, p. 56). Throughout this period the industry was dedicated in the realization of standardization measures which was characterized by the development of contracts, patent and licenses which were used in ensuring that the industry was a relatively tight network.
Studios that were associated to the Motion Pictures Patent Company were able to ensure some form of control in the distribution of films (Abel 1999, p. 44). The control of the distribution process in the silent film industry facilitated the process through which east-north companies gained some form of monopoly. Through these efforts the industry was also able to ensure the development of the film exchange that allowed exhibitors and patent companies to allow for renting of movies at a specific fee.
This was a way through which the industry ensure the provision of income to the players that defined the films industry (Dixon 2011, p. 60). There was need for the silent film industry to ensure the retardation of the development of complex narratives. This was to be facilitated by ensuring that films were made relatively simple and entertaining to ensure that the films were relevant to the divergent needs of the community (Shields 2013, p. 59). In addition, the silent film industry also introduced multi-reel features.
This was an approach that was largely used in the process of exhibiting longer films. Competition in the industry was however facilitated by the devastating effects of the Second World War (Abel 1999, p. 56).
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