Silent Film Existence Values, on the Popularity of Multidimensional Movie Era - Coursework Example

Silent Film Existence Values, On the Popularity of Multidimensional Movie Era Name: Course: Institution: Date: Silent Film Existence Values, On the Popularity of Multidimensional Movie Era Introduction The end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century was marked an important historical moment for the development of the silent film industry in the movie industry. The creation of this industry was characterized by the development of huge mass audience in terms of public entertainment (Abel 1999, 13). The period when the silent industry was established, the entertainment industry was beneficial for both the deaf and the hearing members of the public. Through silent industry it was possible for members of the deaf community to fully participate as equal members of the audience in terms of their pedagogical abilities in schools, as actors in the film industry and as script writers and directors of films (Dalton 1985, p. 22). Thus was based on the understanding that the silent film industry was all inclusive for all a large percentage of the members of the population. The main objective of this paper is to assess the relevance of the silent film industry in terms of the values it helped spread in the society. This will be in regard to the popularity of the of this film industry in the multidimensional film era. History of the silent film era The silent film, which was a multidimensional approach to the movie era stretches back to late nineteenth century. In the United States and most parts of Europe and Australia silent film is believed to have begun in the period of 1910-1929 (Abel 1999, p. 15). This was the period before silent film was replaced with talkies due to the invention of technologies that allowed for the synchronization of sound and motion pictures. The maturity of the silent film industry was tightly organized. These developments were enhanced by the existence of the supposition that this film industry was destined to take numerous approaches to the production of various entertainment aspects in 1920s (Bilton, 2013, p. 56). While the terms silent was used to make reference to the absence of synchronized sound in the films, films that existed in the nickelodeon era in in early 1920s were characterized by the presence of live music which included single pianos among other instruments. However, the type of music that was adopted was highly dependent on the venue (Abel 1999, p. 20). These forms of music were provided by music players in movie theaters who provided an external source of music to accompany the film (Altman, 2004, p. 19). The main objective of the music in the film was to provide a basis for underscoring the themes and the attitudes that were relevant in different scenes. In addition, through the developments in this industry, the films were characterized by dramas, epics, romances or comedies which were relatively short and aimed at presenting a definite theme for all the audience to understand (Altman, 2004, p. 28). Throughout the development of silent films, it was possible to assume that the availability of the captions were meant to cater for the interests of the deaf population. This was an approach that could only be arrived at by persons who were relatively unfamiliar with the dictates of the silent film industry (Downey 2008, p. 56). Inasmuch as captions were perceived to be instrumental in the promotion of the objectives of the film, other aspects of visual orientation such as the use of facial expressions and body movement were more beneficial (Bell 1968, p. 36). 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). It is important to note the significance of the silent era in the film industry. This was due to the developments that it facilitated within the industry and the processes that defined the numerous modes of production, distribution and exhibitions in the movie industry. The persistence of the silent film industry was stressed by its ability to attract more audience into entertainment (Wlaschin 2009, p. 56). The values of silent film among the deaf Storytelling aspect of silent films The ideal purpose of silent film was to facilitate a process of storytelling. This approach given to storytelling was one aimed at merging different elements of motion with photographic images. These images were used to enable the audience to understand the contest of the story and relate to the content. The only thing that was lacking in the story telling process was the narration. This was because of the absence of a medium that could ensure the use of coherent languages in silent film with the motion pictures (Dixon 2011, p. 23). This was perceived as a beneficial means through which members of the deaf community could also be included as part of the audience that was able to understand different features provided by the entertainment industry. The use of caption was considered as the best approach to ensure that the words in the stories told could be revealed to the audience (Shields 2013, p. 60). There were also lip reading a as a technique of following the story from what the actors were saying. Furthermore, the use of facial expression and body gestures were instrumental in the communication process. The use of captions has been an instrumental way of communication the tenets since it was the only way through which information regarding the film could be accessed by those who could read (Downey 2008, p. 45). This brought with it continuity editing in the silent film. This approach to silent film was used in telling relatively complex stories which could not be told solely through pictorials. Inasmuch as certain images in the silent films were universally appealing and did not require any form of interpretation, there were images which could not be understood in the absence of some communication technique that could enhance the possibility of including language as part of the film (Bilton, 2013, p. 134). Little emphasis was however placed on the use of captions because of the understanding that not every members of the audience could read and understand the popular literature of the day. However, every member of the audience due to their experiences in their socialization processes had the capacity of understanding had the capacity of understanding a good chase scene (Downey 2008, p. 67). The use of easy to interpret scenes and simplification of the silent films was an approach that enabled the film industry to gain popularity in different segments of the society (Abel 1999, 56). The silent film industry was majorly pictorial. This is because most of the film directors within this society were at times compelled to experiments with pure pictorial in their film. The major disadvantage of this approach to making films were that it was only effective in short film but a limitation to longer films (Dixon 2011, p. 46). In 1910s, silent film makers developed an understanding that it was beneficial to tell more complex stories that could inspire their audience into critical thinking. This was especially done to target middleclass audience and the community of the deaf population (Dixon 2011, p. 52). The telling of these stories however required a combination of telling the story and showing it to the audience. The use of continuity editing was considered as an approach that could facilitate showing of the story (Thurlow & Clifford 2012, p. 56). The telling bit was to be based on the use of filmed placards which had words printed on them. the use of these placards, which were also known as inter-titles became common features in the film industry as a means of telling stories to the population t could understand pictorials and the population that had the capacity of reading words and interpreting them in relation to the pictorials ((Shields 2013, p. 77). Silent films in the 1910’s used expository and dialogue inter-titles as a means of enhancing the ability of their audience to understanding the content and realize the objectives of the film. Silent films such as Dorothy’s Dream of 1902 and 1904 silent film The Ex- Convict comprised some of the films that were able to engage in the use of dialogue and expository interquartile respectively (Dixon 2011, p. 69). The ability of the silent film to present stories in the forms of pictures and inter-titles was instrumental in providing the community of the deaf with an entertainment platform that allowed them to be part of the audience. In addition, through the stories it was possible for members of the deaf community to understand the role of the medial in facilitating the acquisition of community morals which were presumed to be essential in the growth and development process of every members of the community (Bilton, 2013, p. 116). It also presented the deaf community with a platform where they could share their stories with other members of the society. Through such sharing it was possible for a learning process to be initiated through the existing entertainment platforms (Thurlow & Clifford 2012, p. 60). Silent films were learning platforms One of the greatest aspects that the deaf community and those with the capacity to here understood from silent films was the ability to engage in some form of communication without using words. This is because through numerous sign languages and body language it is possible for a member of the deaf community to understand (Cohen 2001, p. 28). This does not connote that every individual in the silent film industry must have the ability to communicate through a defined sign language. Inasmuch as this might have been a beneficial approach to the silent film industry and the deaf community, it would have been relatively complex for members of the society with a hearing capacity (Drew 2010, p. 53). It was possible for members of the deaf community and those with the ability to gear to develop an understanding of the best means to communicate top other members of the public. in addition, through an understanding of commonly held assumptions on matters related to communication through gestures and facial expression, it will be earlier for members of the deaf and the earing population to understand the recognizable techniques of communication that enhance the possibility of effective communication between different members of the population (Cohen 2001, p. 45). Silent films especially those with captions and inter-titled provided the audience with a techniques of underrating the approaches of language that are used to communicate specific aspects within the community (Downey 2008, p. 55). Through such information, it will be easier for members of the deaf and those inhibited by the need to develop actions that could be used in defining the type of behavior, mode of expression and body language that must be adopted when communication different forms of information to any group of audience (Bilton, 2013, p. 120) . The role of films is to communicate to the target audience different values and cultural practices of any society. In different films, the deaf population has often been portrayed as self-absorbed and sad individuals. In the film, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, the depiction of deaf people as intelligent and highly knowledgeable is derived from their ability to correctly read lips, and engage in intelligent conversations, characterized by the use of gestures and body language (Drew 2010, p. 63). This film is a perfect portrayal of the existence of culture which is characterized by a different from of language, their approach to understanding art and their ability to engage in in different forms of artistic works. The evolution of the film industry can also be perceived as a platform that encourages the deaf to be involved in the film industry. This is based on the understanding that they could use this platform to tell their own stories using their conventional sign languages. In addition, it also provides a platform for other members of the public to appreciate the efforts of the deaf population in contributing to the progress of the film industry (Shields 2013, p. 67). Silent film for different members of the population is often considered as a socialization platform. This is because through the stories that are told in these films, it is possible for members of the audience population to derive different teachings from the films (Drew 2010, p. 77). The teachings derived from the films were considered essential in ensuring the acquisition of acceptable cultural values and connotations by different members of the public. Early films of the silent years such as The Ten Commandments (1923) were considered essential in the acquisition of the moral teachings for the Christian population. Through this film, Christian form different factions of the society (Bilton, 2013, p. 121). Silent film: The Ten Commandments The introduction of sound as in the production of films in 1930 reduced the popularity of silent movies but did not eradicate these movies from the film industry. These movies were still considered as eductative platforms in term of communicating cultural values even after the First World War (Drew 2010, p. 54). The absence of conversations meant that there was need for the audiences to demonstrate high levels of attention considering that the only that they could ensure that they understood the gist and the overall aim of the film was by concentrating on every scene of the film (Cohen 2001, p. 49). The theaters and cinema halls during this period were majorly silent and applauses could only be heard at the end of the film. For both deaf and hearing population, silent films enhanced the aspect of concentration not only in the movies but also in other situations of life. This was based on the realization that through concentration it was possible for different individuals in the society top demonstrate some level of dedication in the execution of their responsibilities (Roots 2014, p. 57). Other than the inculcation of values related to concentration, silent films have also been used as teaching aid especially in deaf school. Through these movies students were expected to understand the gist and demonstrate their levels of understanding by composing essays that could explain the films from their perspective (Drew 2010, p. 70). This was another way through which the deaf institutions were able to analyze the ability of their students to engage in critical thinking. In addition, it was also a platform upon which the students could be aligned to different schools of thought to boost their understanding of the films and their ability to relate the events in the films with those of the external world. for instance the film Napoleon which was produced and directed by Abel Glance in 1927, provided the students with a platform where they could acquire knowledge concerning the history of war in France and the contributions of Napoleon Bonaparte to the political situation in France (Cohen 2001, p. 70). When used as a teaching aid, silent films were perceived as platforms that could enhance the understanding do students on matters related to history and other disciplines in the curriculum (Liepa et al 2008, p. 34). Silent film: Napoleon (1927) Different European countries that were victims of the First World War such as Germany and victors such as Britain had different experiences associated with disillusionment and the desire to engage in territorial expansion (John 1999, p. 50). War related films were produced in the aftermath of the First World War. Through these films numerous cultural values were expressed to the population of the audience as a way of encouraging them on the benefits of aspects such as resilience, courage and commitment among other values (Liepa et al 2008, p. 39). In addition, through these films it was possible for the society to understand the essence and danger of war in the society. To this extent it is possible to embrace the significance of silent films in communication cultural values (Kindem 2000, p. 46). The period following the First World War was characterized by the production of silent films which were majorly concerned with the provision of information and depiction of the war the way different film directors perceived it to have happened. Film industries in different countries were concerned with the projection of the war and the role that their country played in starting, propelling or ending the war (Drew 2010, p. 74). In Australia for example, the 1919 silent film The Australians’ Final Campaign. The director depicts the Australian military forces fighting alongside the British and the United States in the final years of the war (British Medical Association, 1993, p. 13). Through this film it is possible for the Australian audience to examine the role of their country in matters related to the First World War. In addition, through these films, it is also possible to understand the history of the First World War from an Australian perspective. This is because the country was an active participant throughout the war (Cohen 2001, p. 35). Inasmuch as the introduction of talkies in films was perceived as a better approach to the production of movies, silent films still had an important role to play in a society where the deaf and dumb also needed to embrace visual images as part of their learning and entertainment system (Dalton 1985, p. 18). Silent films from this perspective were therefore representations of the apex of unique confluence of dream-inducing motion pictures with theatrical presence. The innovation that characterized these films was based on the best procedures that visual images could be used in passing information without sound (John 1999, p. 61). Silent films such as the 1926 film The General provided the viewers with information conceding the role of an army general in providing direction to the junior members during the First World War. Through this film, it was possible for those who were part of the civilian population to relate to the events that characterized the war empathize and draw life lessons from the conflict (Kindem 2000, p. 57). Silent film: The General The film industry especially those focusing on the development of silent movies had the responsibility of developing using facial expressions to bring out the emotional appeal that was crucial foe the audience to understand their essence. The faces of Australian silent films may not have any form of association with major household names in the industry but they are interesting and largely unforgettable (Cohen 2001, p. 37). The 1928 silent film The Birth of White Australia focuses on the racial tension that characterized life in Australia in 1861. The film provides an essential cultural and historical value of Australia despite its relatively offensive representation of the Aboriginals (Kindem 2000, p. 88). Through this film it is possible for the audience to relate with the matters related to the evolution of the contemporary Australian society. In addition, it also provides a platform of understanding the conflict resolution strategies that were employed by different factions of the society to help in mitigating the tension and the realization of a relatively peaceful multiethnic community (Slide 2005, p. 56). Conclusion The best silent films during the silent 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. The storytelling approach given to silent films was one aimed at merging different elements of motion with photographic images. These images were used to enable the audience to understand the contest of the story and relate to the content. For both deaf and hearing population, silent films enhanced the aspect of concentration not only in the movies but also in other situations of life. References Abel, Richard. 1999. Silent film. London: Athlone Press. Altman, Rick. 2004. Silent film sound. New York: Columbia University Press. Bell, Geoffrey. 1968. 8 mm film for adult audiences. Paris: Unesco. Bilton, Alan. 2013. Silent film comedy and American culture. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. http://www.palgraveconnect.com/doifinder/10.1057/9781137020253. Bowser, Eileen, 1994, The Transformation of Cinema: 1907-1915. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994. History of the American Cinema. Print. British Medical Association. 1993. Catalogue of films and videos in the British Medical Association Library. London: Library Association Pub. Cohen, Paula Marantz. 2001. Silent film and the triumph of the American myth. Oxford: Oxford University Press. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=430741. Dalton, Phyllis I. 1985. Library service to the deaf and hearing impaired. Phoenix, Ariz: Oryx Press. Downey, Gregory John. 2008. Closed captioning subtitling, stenography, and the digital convergence of text with television. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10363093. Dixon, Bryony. 2011. 100 silent films. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK: Palgrave Macmillan on behalf of the British Film Institute. Drew, William M. 2010. The last silent picture show: silent films on American screens in the 1930s. Lanham, Md: Scarecrow Press. John S., Schuchmann. 1999. Hollywood Speaks. Urbana [u.a.]: University of Illinois Press. Kindem, Gorham Anders. 2000. The international movie industry. Carbondale [u.a.]: Southern Illinois Univ. Press. Liepa, Torey, Zhen Zhang, William Simon, Dana B. Polan, and Steven Higgins. 2008. Figures of silent speech: Silent film dialogue and the American vernacular, 1909--1916. Dissertation Abstracts International. 69-08. Thesis (Ph. D.)--New York University, 2008. Neumeyer, David. 2014. The Oxford handbook of film music studies. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge Roots, James. 2014. The 100 greatest silent film comedians. Oxford University Press: Oxford Shields, David S. 2013. Still: American silent motion picture photography. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge Slide, Anthony. 2005. Silent topics: essays on undocumented areas of silent film. Lanham: Md. Thurlow, Max, and Clifford Thurlow. 2012. Making short films: the complete guide from script to screen. Wlaschin, Ken. 2009. Silent mystery and detective movies: a comprehensive filmography. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 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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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