What notable technique did "The Great Train Robbery" contribute to the film industry?

The choice regarding the introduction of cross-cutting is significant because "The Great Train Robbery," directed by Edwin S. Porter in 1903, is often credited with pioneering this editing technique. Cross-cutting involves alternating between two or more scenes that are happening simultaneously but in different locations, which helps to build tension and narrative complexity. This was revolutionary for its time, as it allowed filmmakers to create a more dynamic storytelling experience by juxtaposing various actions or events, enhancing the audience's engagement with the unfolding drama.

The film's use of cross-cutting showcased its potential for narrative depth, leading to a shift in how stories could be told in cinema. This technique has since become a fundamental aspect of modern filmmaking, allowing for increasingly complex narratives that intertwine different storylines and character arcs, laying the groundwork for countless cinematic techniques that would follow.