Primacy of the Visual (in Sound Film)

guiding principle, developed after the initial novelty of sound film, which asserts that cinema should remain a primarily visual medium. It cautions against an over-reliance on dialogue and sound ('100 percent talkies'), advocating for a nuanced relationship where sound enhances, counterpoints, or creates atmosphere for the image, but does not dominate it. The editor must ensure that the story is still being told visually, with sound serving as a crucial but subordinate layer.