"Evolution" may not be quite the right word since it implies (as did your post) an increasing sophistication. (I know it doesn't mean that when used as a biological term but in general use i think it does.) Certainly silent films are no less artistic or accomplished than current ones. Films have become more complex in only the most superficial aspects: color, sound, increased ability to manipulate images, etc. If there is a gap in the evolution at all it would be from the earliest films jumping to narrative. After that, it's only a matter of what resources are available to the filmmaker and some of the best work is done with limitations. Best, LT ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]