Mechanical techniques, such as those used by Edwin S. Porter, not only improve the story, but also make it more understandable and therefore more effective. It has an inherent ability to tell stories through these technological advancements. His editing techniques and plots are often imitated today and have since changed American cinema in the long term. By creating things like continuity editing, to better tell narrative stories, and using effective fourth-wall shots, Porter influenced cinema by imploring mechanical techniques to create original, well-developed narratives. Works Cited Gazetas, Aristide. An introduction to world cinema. 2nd ed. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2000. PDF. The Great Train Robbery. Real. Edwin S. Porter. Edison Maufacturing Co., 1903. DVD.Jack and the Beanstalk. Real. Edwin S. Porter and George S. Fleming. Edison Manufacturing Co., 1902. DVD. The Life of an American Firefighter. Real. Edwin S. Porter. Edison Manufacturing Co., 1902. McBride, Joseph. “THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY.” American film (Archives: 1975-1992) January 1, 1976: 52.55, 78. ProQuest. Internet. October 29, 2014. Musser, Charles. Before Nickelodeon: Edwin S. Porter and the Edison Manufacturing Company. Berkeley: University of California, 1991. Print. Musser, Charles. “The Innovators 1900-1910: Time and Time Again.” Sight and sound 03 1999: 16-8. ProQuest. Internet. October 29.