Before you make a silent film, I suggest you sit down and watch some. What you’ll learn is that you don’t need much to tell a compelling story; all you need is a character with a strong desire and something in their way.
Using blocking to tell a story nonverbally is a treasured skill that few directors possess, and it’s something I wish I’d done before I shot my first feature film. While it’s true that dialogue serves a very important purpose – you should also be able to tell an emotionally moving story without relying on it. Watching and making silent films will ultimately improve your craft as a filmmaker. If you don’t believe me, try watching the opening scene of the movie Up!; it’s a masterclass in how to make someone cry in five minutes or less without saying a word.