1. Anthony Rydberg Mass Media Jordan High School
Silent Film
Anthony Rydberg
Mass Media
Jordan High School

2. Film’s First Era Both the start and end were relatively abrupt.
Bookended by technological breakthroughs.
1895: The Lumiere Brothers invent silent motion pictures.
1927: “The Jazz Singer” signals the end of the silent film era.

3. The Silent Film Experience
Silent films were accompanied by mood music (usu. live musicians).
Smaller theaters would have a solo pianist, violinist, etc.
Larger venues had several musicians up to full orchestras.
The industry had no set film speed; film didn’t reflect realistic motion.
Slow-motion = more dramatic.
Fast-motion = more comical.

4. Silent Film Acting
Acting was based on exaggerated body language & facial expressions
Silent film actors were not respected or well known (except for a few).
Why no respect?
Film was not yet respectable art.
Acting style was easily mocked.
The possibility of multiple takes, no live audience.

5. The Use of Intertitles When acting failed to narrate,
intertitles would clarify the story.
Intertitles to clarify dialogue.
Intertitles to clarify dialogue.

6. The Loss of Silent Films
Early film material was highly flammable, often caught fire.
80-90% of all silent films have been lost or destroyed.
Most major films survive due to care and quantity.

7. The Legacy of Silent Film
Famous actors, including:
Charlie Chaplain & Buster Keaton

8. The Legacy of Silent Film
Famous scenes & images, including:
Safety Last! (1923)
The General (1926)

9. The Legacy of Silent Film
Influence beyond the era
The Artist (2011)
Back to the Future (1985)
Pixar’s Silent Short Films

10. Today’s Film The Pawn Shop (1916)
Starring and Directed by Charlie Chaplain.