What is a common characteristic of films from the silent film era?

During the silent film era, movies were characterized by the absence of synchronized sound and dialogue. As a result, filmmakers relied heavily on visual storytelling techniques to convey narratives and emotions. This often involved the use of expressive acting, intertitles (text displayed on the screen), and visual cues such as gestures and facial expressions to communicate the plot and character feelings effectively. The focus on visual elements allowed filmmakers to experiment with techniques like cinematography, lighting, and editing, making visual storytelling a distinguishing hallmark of silent cinema.

In contrast, extensive use of dialogue, high production budgets, and complex sound design are characteristics more aligned with later film eras, particularly with the advent of sound films in the late 1920s.