Which of the following was a critical societal element influencing the themes of early American films?

The correct answer is grounded in the historical context of early American films, where the Puritan background played a significant role in shaping societal values and moral standards. Early filmmakers often reflected the themes and ideals prevalent in Puritanism, which emphasized moral rectitude, individualism, and a keen sense of right and wrong. This influence manifested in many films, particularly in narratives that explored themes of temptation, sin, redemption, and morality.

The Puritan ethos also fostered a culture that was cautious and often critical of societal norms, which filmmakers utilized to engage audiences in reflecting on their own values and societal behavior. Consequently, early American cinema frequently grappled with moral dilemmas and the consequences of straying from these established norms, mirroring the Puritan belief system's impact on narrative storytelling.

In contrast, colonialism, while historically significant, is not as directly linked to the thematic concerns of early cinema. Presentism refers to interpreting past events through contemporary values, which was less of a focus in the actual creation of early films. Post-modernism, emerging much later, deals with themes of irony and pastiche, diverging significantly from the moralistic and straightforward storytelling typical of early American films.