The Great Train Robbery revolutionized filmmaking with its engrossing movement shots and landscapes. However, I think the film's greatest contribution was in its more realistic violent take. This was one of the first films to start introducing very violent images to cinema. The murder on top of the train is striking not only for the movement, but for the brutal violence as the bandit tosses the body off the train. Today violence is what fuels cinema and it started with films like this. I found the brilliant imagery on top of the speeding train fantastic and understand why they would've frightened audiences at the time. I also found the final shot to be quite ballsy, as the character breaks the fourth wall and shoots the audience.
Napoleon today is considered a masterpiece for its fluid shots. Most films of the time were very static endeavors, however Napoleon introduced moving camerawork. It included fast cutting, close ups, and handheld shots. The film was received with mixed reviews when it was first released. As time passed it people realized how revolutionary the techniques used in the film were, considered it a masterwork today.
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