Final answer:
The film industry praised sound as a step toward greater realism, leading to a change in acting style and the decline of melodramatic performances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true. In the early days of the film industry, silent films relied heavily on exaggerated acting and melodramatic style to convey emotions and engage audiences.
However, with the introduction of sound in films, a more realistic approach to acting became possible. The ability to use dialogue and natural sound effects allowed actors to rely less on exaggerated gestures and expressions, resulting in a more subtle and authentic style of acting.