Early Editing

What was significant about the Great Train Robbery in editing?

    The editing of the Great Train Robbery was significant in its use of parallel action, creating a more cinematic experience. Previously, films had taken on many characteristics of a stage play with the first films consisting of a single static shot. Once editing and cuts began to be used, staging and camerawork was still done in a style similar to a theatrical production. However, the Great Train Robbery had broken past the confines of the stage and the fourth wall and had utilized photographic techniques in its staging and camerawork while also bring in a new cinematic editing technique. Parallel action had yet to be done before, especially when filmmakers were creating works with the limitations of a stage play. By cutting back and forth between scenes, it created a sense that they were happening at the same time. This was revolutionary and gave the audiences room to let their imagination flow whilst watching the film.