The 1910s were a seminal decade for the film industry, characterised by innovation and the establishment of cinematic language that would shape the medium for decades to come. This era saw the transition from short films to feature-length productions, and the emergence of directors and actors who would become legends in the industry.
The movies that defined 1910s
"The Birth of a Nation" (1915), directed by D.W. Griffith, is a technically groundbreaking film known for its complex narrative structure and pioneering camera techniques, including the use of close-ups, cross-cutting, and large-scale battle scenes. However, it is also infamous for its racist portrayal of African Americans and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan, which has sparked extensive controversy and debate over its place in film history. Key actors in this film include Lillian Gish, who plays Elsie Stoneman, and Henry B. Walthall as Colonel Ben Cameron.
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| The Birth of Nation |
Griffith’s "Intolerance" (1916) is an epic that explores the theme of intolerance through four parallel storylines set in different historical periods: ancient Babylon, Judea during the time of Christ, 16th-century France, and modern-day America. The film starred Lillian Gish, Mae Marsh, and Robert Harron. Though not commercially successful at the time, its ambitious scale and innovative narrative structure have earned it a place in film history.
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| Intolerance |
"Cabiria" (1914), directed by Giovanni Pastrone, is an Italian epic that tells the story of a young girl who is kidnapped and taken to Carthage. The film is notable for its use of elaborate sets, impressive special effects, and the innovative use of the tracking shot, which had a significant influence on future epic films. The lead roles were played by Lidia Quaranta and Umberto Mozzato.
Cecil B. DeMille’s "The Cheat" (1915) is a melodrama about a woman who embezzles charity funds and becomes indebted to a wealthy businessman. The film is known for its innovative lighting techniques and its portrayal of racial and gender themes. Fannie Ward starred as the protagonist, Edith Hardy, with Sessue Hayakawa delivering a memorable performance as the antagonist, Hishuru Tori.
"A Dog's Life" (1918), directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, features Chaplin’s iconic character, the Tramp, who partners with a dog to survive the hardships of life on the streets. The film showcases Chaplin’s comedic genius and his ability to blend humour with social commentary. Edna Purviance co-starred as the Tramp's love interest.
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| A Dog's life |
D.W. Griffith’s "Broken Blossoms" (1919) is a silent drama that tells the tragic story of a young Chinese man and a mistreated girl in London’s impoverished Limehouse district. The film stars Lillian Gish as Lucy Burrows and Richard Barthelmess as Cheng Huan. It is celebrated for its sensitive treatment of racial themes and its poetic visual style.
"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1919), directed by Robert Wiene, is a seminal work of German Expressionist cinema. The film tells the story of an insane hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders. Conrad Veidt stars as Cesare, the somnambulist, with Werner Krauss playing Dr. Caligari. Its distinctive, stylized sets and psychological horror elements have made it an enduring influence on the genre.
Abel Gance’s "J'accuse" (1919) is a powerful anti-war film that depicts the horrors of World War I through the eyes of its protagonist, played by Romuald Joubé. The film is noted for its innovative use of visual effects and its emotionally charged narrative, which strongly condemns the futility of war.
"Shoes" (1916), directed by Lois Weber, is a social problem film that addresses the plight of working-class women. The film stars Mary MacLaren as Eva Meyer, a young woman struggling to support her family on a meager income. Weber’s realistic portrayal of social issues and her empathetic approach to her characters make this film a notable entry in early American cinema.
Movie industries of 1910s
The 1910s were a transformative decade for the film industry, marking a period of significant evolution in both the technology and artistry of cinema. This era saw the transition from short, simple films to more complex, feature-length productions, and established many of the foundational techniques and genres that continue to influence filmmaking today.
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| D W.Griffith |
One of the most notable directors of this period was D.W. Griffith, whose contributions to the development of narrative filmmaking were profound. His film "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) is often cited for its technical innovations, such as its use of cross-cutting, close-ups, and large-scale battle scenes. The film's narrative complexity, spanning the Civil War and Reconstruction, was unprecedented at the time. Despite its groundbreaking techniques, "The Birth of a Nation" is highly controversial due to its racist depictions and glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. Griffith attempted to address the backlash with his subsequent film, "Intolerance" (1916), an ambitious epic that interweaves four stories from different historical periods to explore the theme of intolerance. Though not as commercially successful, "Intolerance" is celebrated for its innovative structure and visual grandeur.
Across the Atlantic, Italian cinema was also making significant strides. "Cabiria" (1914), directed by Giovanni Pastrone, is a landmark in the history of epic filmmaking. This Italian film is noted for its elaborate sets, impressive special effects, and the use of the dolly shot, which was revolutionary at the time. The film’s narrative, set during the Second Punic War, follows the young girl Cabiria through a series of dramatic events, showcasing the potential of cinema to tell grand, sweeping stories.
In America, Cecil B. DeMille emerged as a prominent director with films like "The Cheat" (1915). This film is recognized for its innovative use of lighting and its bold narrative themes. Fannie Ward starred as Edith Hardy, a woman who becomes entangled with a wealthy businessman after embezzling charity funds. Sessue Hayakawa’s performance as the businessman, Hishuru Tori, was particularly notable, breaking ground for Asian actors in Hollywood.
The 1910s were also the decade when Charlie Chaplin rose to prominence. His character, the Tramp, became one of the most iconic figures in cinema. "A Dog's Life" (1918) is a prime example of Chaplin’s blend of comedy and social commentary. In this film, Chaplin's Tramp teams up with a stray dog to navigate the hardships of life on the streets, highlighting issues of poverty and survival with humor and pathos. Chaplin’s ability to convey deep emotional and social themes through silent comedy made him a beloved figure worldwide.
German cinema made a significant impact with the release of "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1919), directed by Robert Wiene. This film is a quintessential example of German Expressionism, known for its stark, distorted sets, and eerie atmosphere. The story, involving a hypnotist who uses a sleepwalker to commit murders, is considered one of the first true horror films. The performances of Werner Krauss as Dr. Caligari and Conrad Veidt as Cesare, the somnambulist, helped establish the film as a masterpiece of psychological horror.
Abel Gance’s "J'accuse" (1919) is another significant film from this era, notable for its anti-war message and innovative visual techniques. The film uses powerful imagery and special effects to convey the horrors of World War I. Gance’s ability to blend emotional narrative with technical innovation set a new standard for filmmakers.
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| Lois Weber in "shoes" |
Lois Weber, one of the few prominent female directors of the time, made a mark with films like "Shoes" (1916). This film addresses the struggles of working-class women with a realism and empathy that were rare for its time. Weber's focus on social issues and her pioneering use of film as a medium for social commentary highlight her significant role in early American cinema.
The 1910s also saw the rise of other influential figures and movements. Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios became famous for its slapstick comedies, launching the careers of stars like Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Fatty Arbuckle. The French film industry, though affected by World War I, continued to produce important works, with directors like Louis Feuillade creating popular serials such as "Les Vampires" (1915-1916).
In summary, the 1910s were a foundational decade for cinema, characterised by technological advancements, the emergence of feature-length films, and the establishment of genres and narrative techniques that would shape the future of filmmaking. Directors like D.W. Griffith, Giovanni Pastrone, Cecil B. DeMille, Charlie Chaplin, Robert Wiene, Abel Gance, and Lois Weber pushed the boundaries of what was possible in film, creating works that continue to influence and inspire filmmakers today.
Rise and falls of stars
The 1910s marked the rise of many stars who would become icons of early cinema, but this decade also saw some of their careers decline as the industry evolved.
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| Charlie Chaplin |
Charlie Chaplin is perhaps the most enduring star from this era. His character, the Tramp, first appeared in 1914, quickly capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide with his blend of humor and pathos. Chaplin's rise was meteoric, and his films like "The Kid" (1921) ensured his lasting fame.
Mary Pickford, known as "America's Sweetheart," became one of the first true movie stars. Her roles in films like "The Poor Little Rich Girl" (1917) endeared her to audiences, and she was instrumental in founding United Artists in 1919. However, as sound films (talkies) emerged in the late 1920s, her career began to wane.
Douglas Fairbanks, another founding member of United Artists, rose to fame with his swashbuckling roles in films such as "The Mark of Zorro" (1920). He was a major box office draw during the 1910s and 1920s, but like Pickford, he struggled to transition successfully into the sound era.
Sessue Hayakawa became a significant figure in Hollywood as one of the first Asian actors to achieve stardom. His role in "The Cheat" (1915) showcased his dramatic talents and charismatic screen presence. However, his career faced challenges due to typecasting and the racial prejudices of the era.
Lillian Gish emerged as a leading actress through her work with D.W. Griffith in films like "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Broken Blossoms" (1919). Known for her delicate beauty and expressive acting, Gish's career spanned several decades, though her popularity waned as Hollywood's style evolved.
Fatty Arbuckle was a major star in silent comedy, known for his work with Keystone Studios. His career, however, suffered a dramatic fall after a scandal in 1921 involving the death of actress Virginia Rappe, leading to multiple trials and his eventual acquittal. Despite his legal exoneration, the scandal effectively ended his career in mainstream Hollywood.
The careers of these stars shows the volatility of early Hollywood, where fame could rise swiftly but fall just as quickly due to personal scandal, changing audience tastes, or the industry's technological advancements.