The Great Train Robbery (1903)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  7 / 10

  The Great Train Robbery showcases early technical excellence but, much like its genre, remains incredibly slow paced. Considered to be the first western motion picture and the first film to have a cohesive plot, Porter's silent short film has influenced many other similar films. Introducing a horseback chase scene, an environmental shootout and the inevitable stealing of a locomotive. It's not the content that has stood the test of time, but rather Porter's pioneering directing techniques. A group of bandits steal some valuables and make haste by taking control of a locomotive, where the locals are in hot pursuit. The beauty of this narrative is its composite structure, where two stories run concurrently together. In this instance, the fleeing bandits and the local community chasing after them. One of the earliest forms of cross cutting was used for this motion picture, which back in 1903 was rather unconventional. Porter's work may lack the imagination and showmanship of a Méliès production, however he makes up for it with competent techniques that add finesse. Substituting a staged production for on-location shooting, the town and its community enhances the authenticity and natural environment of this film. A refreshing change from most silent films of that era, that in hindsight certainly kept production costs down. The plot is clean with clear structure and hosts an infamous final shot of an outlaw firing blanks at the camera. The acting, whilst not entirely expressive, was functional although difficult to differentiate the characters due to them wearing similar attire. The pace, considering the runtime is 12 minutes long, somehow dips during certain scenes. The dance scene acting as comic relief felt unnecessary given the film's darker tone. These frames could've been used to heighten the action and thrills somewhere else. As a silent film venturing into a new genre, it works well. It has not aged as well as other recovered films of that era, but still a pleasant watch that showcases technical astuteness from Porter.

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