Acting in a Silent Movie
Silent movie actors had to be versatile and imaginative; the actors would have to tell the
audience about their emotions and thoughts through their actions -- not through spoken
word.
The nature of the character would be defined by…
- clothing
- their actions, such as walking, moving, looking around
- facial makeup and hair style
- facial expression
ACTIVITY: CHARACTER PORTRAYAL
Consider each of the following pictures to determine the following:
- What kind of character is this? (Hero? Heroine? Villain? Accomplice?)
- What emotions or thoughts might this character be presenting?
 [Photo courtesy of Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society] |
A scene from Race For Ties; the hero and his accomplice uncover one of the villain's supporters.
 [Photo courtesy of Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society] |
The hero and his supporters learn of the villain's latest actions.
 [Photo courtesy of Andy & Laura Carlson] |
Here we have a tense moment from the movie, "A Race for Ties". The hero (standing) confronts the villain, Cheetem, in this scene.
 [Photo courtesy of Andy & Laura Carlson] |
Actress posing for photograph.
ACTIVITY: FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Small groups like the Port Arthur Amateur Cinema Society often used amateur actors in their
movies. These groups used articles from movie magazines of the day for advice, directions
and guidance on how to make movies.
One article showed how actors could use facial expressions to portray specific emotions. The drawings have been reproduced below; practice these expressions with your friends. What emotion are you trying to portray?
"First Aid for Amateur Actors".
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