The Birth of a Nation (1915) D.W Griffiths

This film has to be one of the most controversial films in the pre 1930 movie era. The Birth of a Nation may be controversial; however it has made a massive impact on American cinema. "Film scholars agree however, that it is the single most important and key film of all time in American movie history -it contains many new cinematic innovations and refinements, technical effects and artistic advancements, including a colour sequence at the end." It is a film based upon the book 'The Clansman' which has been written about the KKK and the film has white actors who have coloured themselves in to become black.

The Great Train Robbery (1903) Edwin S. Porter

The Great Train Robbery has proven to be a pivotal moment in film history because it was based on a real-life train heist but also came from the idea of a stage production. “It was the first narrative Western film with a storyline, and can be seen as the first true Western film”. The use of scenes with shoot-outs, a robbery, a chase etc has given the idea for many other Western films since the emergence of The Great Train Robbery. Edwin S. Porter was seen as the “father of the story film” and this ten minute long master piece shows that true meaning of telling a story.

Le Voyage Dans La Lune(A Trip to the Moon)(1902) Georges Meilies

This short 1902 film only lasts fourteen minutes but still played a large part in the progression of film. This film is about a group of astronomers who go on an expedition to the moon. It can be classed as one of the first sci-fi films ever released, and has truly affected cinema to this day. It can also boast one of the first ever animated sequences in film, when the shell of the shuttle falls into the sea. This started animation in film and has now come on leaps and bounds in today’s cinema. Georges Meilies has created cinematic history with this short film and his creation has affected film up till this day and age.