The Art of the Moving Picture

** "The Art of the Moving Picture" by Vachel Lindsay is an examination of early cinema, framing it as a budding art form that seeks validation alongside established artistic mediums. Lindsay champions the recognition of film as a legitimate player in the realm of art during the rise of American art museums, and believes film deserves the same critical consideration and appreciation as painting and sculpture. He lays out the components of effective film criticism, addressing the technical and emotionally immersive qualities of movies. In doing so, he categorizes films by their focus, whether action, personal stories, or visual spectacle, and he emphasizes combining artistic expression with narrative. He draws from his own experiences watching early movies to show their potential, envisioning a bright future where cinema is viewed with the same respect as more traditional art forms. **