Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat is an excellent example of what made a movie in 1896. A single scene, it shows a train coming at the screen and continuing through, then stopping until the passengers get off. Although the concept is basic, it must have been an incredible experience at the time. Being in the experimental stages of cinema, it has its flaws (obviously), but nonetheless succeeds in creating an image that sticks with you. I think that the camera could have been moved even closer to the train, but the effect still works as it is. Seeing how it is less than a minute long, I can't help but recommend it to anyone that has a chance to see it.
Review of The Arrival of a Train
