There's Something About Silence

Within a decade after the release of the first film featuring 'talkies,' The Jazz Singer (1927), silent films were virtually extinct. But why? People enjoyed listening to what they were seeing- which I totally get. Perhaps its because the roles have virtually been switched: silent films are cool today in 2013, in the same way that talkies were the hot new entertainment in 1927. 

There is something to be said for the enormous talent that is required by the actors of silent film. Take Charlie Chaplin for example- the viewers (of all ages) were able "get" the message of Chaplin's films just by the actions he did, expressions he made and gestures he included with his 'silent dialogue.' Lon Chaney was also able to terrify audiences without words or sound just by his costume, actions and expressions. This one is beautiful; one of my all-time favorites. Sometimes I find myself stuck watching a film where I wish it was silent... I personally think that this day in age, there are actors and actresses that posses absolutely no talent whatsoever. I know that to revert back to silent films is sort of a small huge leap back. 

That's why I appreciate the [recent] film, The Artist  starring Berenice Bejo, Jean Dujardin & Uggie the dog. so much. It took a huge leap of faith to make a completely silent film in the era of technology we live in today, but luckily they were acknowledged and recognized by The Academy and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for their achievements.   

We have come such a long way from the conception of cinema, and it is something that those of us desiring to enter into the field should look forward to as well as be proud of. However, I believe that life before sound is something we should cherish and look to as inspiration for truly great works of art. 

Here's a still from the 2011 film, The Artist. 

I think we all know this guy was the real star of the film, though. 

Blog Post #1

I love old films. Give me Turner Classic Movies with a few old black & whites any day. There's just something about the elegance, class and culture of early cinematic works that have an intrigue and mystery about it that drag you back to that era.

Perhaps we can credit this excitement to some of the earliest film stars who defined that we know today as "America's Sweetheart," the Comedian and the "Femme Fatale," to name a few (and some of my own favorites).

America's Sweetheart: That girl that can do no wrong in the eyes of the country's viewership. Then most well known of early cinematic days would by far be Mary Pickford. Her status may be likened to the modern day Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts. Whatever she does, sells.

 

Comedian: Charlie Chaplin- a name everyone is familiar with to even the slightest degree. He defined the epitome of devotion to his career in that he was rarely ever seen out of his goofy, unpredictable character. Today, we may recognize Vince Vaughn or Kevin James in this respect. You may also watch a clip of Chaplin's usual character, here. And one of my personal favorites.

 

 Femme Fatale: the simple definition of the femme fatale is a woman who is so intriguing that she lures a man (or other character-due to modern cultural advances...) into her grip when she then proceeds to harm or fatally wound them. Theda Bara, whose name is actually an anagram for 'Arab Death,' is our first prime example of this character type developed during the first eras of film. Today, one may recognize Angelina Jolie as the best example and recreation of Bara's original.   

Obviously, the early film era produced and defined what we know today as expected characters. It is amazing to me that we still use these stereotypes and molds to put our actors and actresses of today into! Over 100 years later and we are still using these concepts created by some of the earliest cinematic predecessors!

 

 

 

Photographs: Bing Images

Video: Youtube.com

Information: Dr. Martin's lectures