Abstract

This study examines the evolution of cinematic acting from its origins in theatrical traditions to the emergence of naturalistic performance styles, focusing on the transformative collaboration between pioneering director D.W. Griffith and actress Lillian Gish. Early cinema (late 19th to early 1920s) relied on exaggerated gestures and melodramatic expressions, shaped by technical limitations, the absence of sound, and stage-acting conventions. Through an analysis of Gish’s performances in Griffith’s landmark films— An Unseen Enemy (1912), The Birth of a Nation (1915), Intolerance (1916), Broken Blossoms (1919), and Orphans of the Storm (1921)—this paper traces the shift from theatricality to subtlety, underscoring Griffith’s innovations in close-ups, montage, and emotional depth. Gish’s evolution exemplifies this transition, moving from broad, gestural acting to nuanced, psychologically resonant portrayals that prioritized authenticity. While Griffith and Gish were instrumental in redefining screen performance, the study contextualizes their contributions within broader cinematic developments, including technological advancements, the introduction of sound, evolving audience expectations, and the influence of method acting. Ultimately, the transformation of acting styles reflects cinema’s maturation as a distinct art form, balancing individual artistry with medium-specific demands. This research highlights how Griffith and Gish’s partnership catalyzed a paradigm shift, bridging early theatrical conventions and modern naturalism, while acknowledging the multifaceted forces that propelled cinema’s artistic growth.