The Contexts of Film

Socio-Historical Context

Silent Cinema emerged during a time of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation in late 19th and early 20th centuries, which not only provided the necessary technological advancements but also created a demand for new forms of entertainment for the urban populations.
It saw its heyday during the interwar period, thereby deeply embedded within the historical upheavals of the time, such as the aftermath of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the beginning of the Great Depression.

Technological Context

Silent Cinema was the result of the invention of cinematography by Lumière brothers, which enabled the projection of moving images.
The limitations of the technology of that time – such as lack of synchronised sound – shaped the aesthetics of silent cinema, like emphasis on visual storytelling and use of produced musical scores.

Economic Context

The early Silent Cinema era witnessed the formation of the studio system in Hollywood, which had a profound influence on the production, distribution and exhibition practices of films.
On the other hand, the Soviet Montage Movement was shaped by the economic constraints of the post-Revolution USSR, resulting in the reliance on editing existing footage rather than shooting new scenes.

Political Context

Silent films often reflected the political ideologies of their time and place. For example, D.W. Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation” ignited racial tensions in the US due to its controversial representation of history.
Films of the Soviet Montage Movement, such as those by Eisenstein, were utilised as propaganda by the state to communicate Communist ideologies to the masses.

Cultural Context

Silent Cinema was a truly international medium, as the lack of dialogue made it easier for films to cross national borders.
The cultural contexts had an enormous influence on the specificities of different national cinemas, from the fantastical nature of German Expressionism to the social realism of Soviet Montage.

Gender Context

Women in Silent Cinema tended to be portrayed using the traditional stereotypes of the time, often as the damsel in distress.
However, some female actors, like Mary Pickford and Lillian Gish, gained significant power and influence, paving the way for the emergence of female stars and filmmakers.