Silent cinema is a generally accepted term for cinema in the early years of its history, when pictures were shown on the screen without sound. This art appeared in 1895 thanks to the legendary Lumiere brothers.
How it all began
Many people tried to make films before the Lumière brothers: Edward Muybridge, George Eastman, Louis Leprince. But Louis and Auguste Lumiere, who worked in their father's photographic materials factory, were the first to patent and demonstrate to the public their invention. It is they who are considered the inventors of the apparatus for shooting and projection of "moving photographs". In Paris, on the Boulevard des Capucines, on December 28, 1895, ten films with a total duration of 20 minutes were shown for the first time.
The invention spread rapidly throughout the world. The Lumiere brothers themselves considered their find to be just a scientific curiosity and did not count on commercial success. They had no idea that cinema could serve to tell stories, and they had no idea at all that it would become an art form. The brothers were content to record scenes of everyday life on film. At that time, cinema had not yet acquired its "language" and style of displaying the world.
Where silent movies were shown
At first, when films were still a new spectacle, the public did not have a place of their own, and films were shown at street fairs or in any suitable venue. The first cinemas appeared in 1910. They competed with music halls and theaters. Gradually, luxurious cinemas began to appear with catchy interiors, sideboards and glowing advertisements outside.
Music and facial expressions
Before 1927, there was no synchronous sound in cinema. Actually, that's why they called him dumb. Actors had to use facial expressions and gestures to express feelings. The screening of films was accompanied by music played in the auditorium by a pianist. That was the name of the pianist.
Features of the
There were enough unique moments in silent cinema that were forgotten with the advent of sound. One of the iconic examples is metaphorical montage. It is understood as sudden insertions into scenes that disrupt the smooth course of the action and thereby remind the audience that they are watching a feature film, and not real life.
The eccentric comedy also deserves special attention. This genre originated from silent cinema and has spawned many masterpieces.
Famous movies
Initially, the Lumière brothers showed videos based on real life. The first feature film was the comedy "The Watered Waterer", which lasted only 49 seconds. Its plot was built on stupid positions, and the heroes mostly chased each other and gave slaps in the face. Subsequently, this genre was called "crack comedy".
Among the famous paintings of the silent film era:
- "Journey to the Moon";
- "Kutsi the Musketeer";
- "Safety is the least of all!";
- "Sunrise";
- "Wheel".
Famous actors
Charlie Chaplin is one of the famous silent film actors. He began his career in the theater, like many of his colleagues. He gained popularity due to the image of a vagabond who always fell into absurd situations. In 1917, Chaplin became the most expensive actor at that time.
Mary Pickford made her film debut in 1909. World fame was brought to her by the image of a naive teenage girl.
Harold Lloyd made his film debut in 1912. His most famous image is an awkward, bespectacled workaholic.
Vera Kholodnaya was the star of Russian silent cinema. Her name on the posters was the guarantor of good cash collection.
