The Great Train Robbery Film Discussion and Responses

Discussion Topic: In this week’s film, The Great Train Robbery, we examined acting on a different level, non verbally. 

• What was your initial reaction when you learned this film is not only black and white but non-verbal?
• When looking back at the film, how well were the physical characteristics and facial features suited to the characters they were attempting to portray?
• Examining the film, which specific scenes is the acting especially effective or ineffective? How? Why

hi 1st reply

When I realized The Great Train Robbery was only in black and white and non-verbal, I was actually more interested in seeing how they made it and why it was so famous. The physical characteristics of the characters were pretty spot on for what the audience assumed their role to be. It matched the setting and time period. Most women had long puffy dresses and most men were wearing black suits. Anytime a character was shot, they made sure to overreact and throw their hands up in the air and fall down. When the characters do this motion, it allows the audience to fully understand what is going on.

————–

2nd reply

My main reaction to film not only being not only shot in black and white but also with no spoken lines was shock, in my head the era of silent film ended late 1800s so being able to watch a non-verbal movie was a present surprise. With the lack of spoken word the actors had to rely only on how well they can physically act, and for the time is was probably amazing work, even now in an era of voice actors and “talkies” this is massively impressive to watch.