A Girl and Her Trust by D.W Griffith (1912), and the trust, or The Battles of Money (1911), are classical films that exhibit profound and distinct styles of storytelling. Instances of editing through cutting to indicate a change of scenery and transition are more pronounced in the film A Girl and Her Trust. Cutting is particularly used to capture the characters’ movements from the back and front office and front office film. Editing and pacifically cuts are used to capture these movements and change of scenery and movement. For instance, while still in the office, a glimpse of an approaching train is shown to put the audience into anticipation and also signal two separate events happening at the same time. In other words, action in this scene is broken into separate shots.
On the other hand, long takes are perfectly executed in the Battles of Money film. The film shows Darbois at his office surrounded by his sectary and two other gentlemen. Although all the characters appear to be busy with their own matters, all the action is captured in the frame. Another lady approaches with a letter and hands it over to Darbois in the same scene. Later, the men leave, but the film still remains in play, and the scene changes only after Darbois’ exit. The long take help create a smooth flow of events and establish standout moments in the minds of the viewers.
References
Griffith, D.W. (1912). “A Girl and Her Trust”. YouTube.
Feullade, L (1911) “The Trust, or the Battles of Money” You Tube.