What is a significant characteristic of silent films?

Silent films are characterized primarily by their reliance on visual storytelling and the expressive use of physical gestures, expressions, and mise-en-scène to convey narrative and emotion. Since these films did not include synchronized sound or dialogue, filmmakers had to be particularly innovative in using visual techniques to tell their stories effectively. This emphasis on visuals allowed actors to develop unique styles of expression, often using exaggerated facial movements and body language to communicate with the audience.

Unlike films that feature sound, where dialogue can carry much of the narrative weight, silent films needed to convey all information through imagery, intertitles, and music played during screenings. This reliance on the visual medium not only defined the aesthetic of silent films but also laid the groundwork for many techniques that would be expanded upon in sound cinema.

Therefore, the emphasis on visual storytelling and expressions is a hallmark of silent cinema, making it a significant characteristic of that era.