The Great Traın Robbery

The Great Train Robbery

The Great Train Robbery is a silent American action/western film directed by Edwin S. Porter in 1903. Even though the film is only 12 minutes long, there is a clear story line throughout the film, unlike the earlier works on filmmaking. The Great Train Robbery is also considered to be the first narrative film to successfully establish continuity of action.

Edwin S. Porter revolutionized the film industry thorough his innovative use of cross-cutting, location shooting and close-ups. Moreover, The Great Train Robbery was the first film to use the cinematic techniques that are cross-cutting, panning shots, and the close-up in a single motion picture (Vaughan).  Thanks to the location shooting in the film, the realistic points shined out. Contrary to the previous work we have watched, A Trip to the Moon, the usage of different camera angles contributed to give the sense of today’s understanding of a film. 

When examined with the perception of the present-day movie, of course, the film is weak in matters of plot and acting.  Also, as I am not used to watching silent black-and-white films and as the technological developments that happen from day to day enhance our expectations and lessen our capacity for sensation, together with reducing the time in which we can stay focused, while watching the film, it was not the easiest thing to understand the plot for me, especially in the very first scenes. After doing research with regard to The Great Train Robbery, the film was certainly more meaningful; however, judging from today’s standards that are so usual for us to even realize, we project things using them, I think the plot is too complex for such a short film.