Chapter 1: A Brief History of Cinema and Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze

    Chapter 1 of Russell Leigh Sharman's "Moving Pictures" explores the history of film, from its early beginnings to its present day form. According to Sharman, the earliest forms of moving images can be traced back to the late 1800s, with the invention of devices such as the zoetrope and the kinetoscope. The kinetoscope, invented by Thomas Edison, was a motion picture exhibition device that allowed individuals to view short, looping films by peering through a viewing window.

    One of the earliest and most famous films created using the kinetoscope was the "Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze," which was produced in 1894. The film is exactly what it sounds like, a record of a man sneezing, and lasts only a few seconds. Despite its simple and seemingly mundane subject matter, the "Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze" is considered an important moment in the history of film. The film marked the beginning of a new era in visual storytelling and demonstrated the potential for motion pictures to capture and display the everyday experiences of people in a way that was previously impossible.

    Chapter 1 of "Moving Pictures" provides a concise history of film, showing us some examples along the way, and tracing its evolution from its earliest beginnings to its present day form. Through the examination of important moments such as the "Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze," we can see the ways in which film has developed and changed over time and how it has become an integral part of our culture and society. By understanding the history of film, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of visual storytelling and the ways in which it has shaped the world around us.