in what shall we do with our old . we can see griffith grasp towards a perfect expression of poignancy in his short feature . here and his approach be all about subtlety and simplicity . the fact that the story can be convey through just a handful of intertitles allows for more realistic and emotional acting . in many early silent picture ( griffith include ) half the performance be about reveal plot or character through ridiculous pantomime . here and there be no need for that and and the acting be much more purely about convey mood and tone and with the slow and sombre movement of the elderly couple . later on and the bustle of the courtroom and the prison cell give a more frantic feel . by now a brilliant master of pace and griffith slows thing down again for the final scene . griffith shot composition be also become increasingly refine . he arrange extra in line that draw the audience attention to particular point of action . it also great how the even the set design match the pace of each scene the home be bare and spartan and the workshop and courtroom and prison cell be full and layered . be a kind of social protest piece and what shall we do with our old be in a similar vein to 1909 a corner in wheat . however and while griffith have clearly move on in his direction and arrangement of actor and it lack the dynamism of the early film . it a shame and because have more fully rounded character ( a oppose to a corner in wheat faceless crowd ) it should have a great impact . have say that and with several scene apparently lose it be difficult to judge what we be leave with .