Final answer:
Early editing techniques shaped modern cinema by contributing to the continuity of narrative flow, introducing special effects and concise storytelling, and enhancing visual narrative with concrete and descriptive language.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early editing techniques had a profound impact on the evolution of feature films, leading to the rich visual storytelling seen in cinema today. Initially, editing was primarily about continuity—creating a seamless narrative flow. With the development of special effects and the use of strategies like cross-cutting, filmmakers could manipulate time and space, heightening tension and emotion. This paved the way for modern films to use sophisticated visual effects and complex narrative structures. Furthermore, the conciseness of storytelling—learning to omit needless words and scenes—has been essential in maintaining audience engagement and ensuring the pacing is appropriate for today's attention spans. Lastly, the emphasis on editing to include concrete nouns and descriptive language in visual narrative has encouraged filmmakers to craft more vivid and memorable images, influencing genres, culture, and audience participation on a large scale.