Which of the following is considered a classic silent film?

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is regarded as a classic silent film due to its pioneering role in the horror genre and its innovative visual style, which characterized the German Expressionist movement. Released in 1920, it is known for its distinctive painted sets and dramatic, distorted visuals that evoke a sense of psychological unease. The film tells the story of a mad doctor and his somnambulist, and it explores themes of madness and authority, making it not only a landmark of silent cinema but also an influential work that has shaped the language of film storytelling.

In contrast, The Jazz Singer, while notable as the first significant "talkie" film, features synchronized sound and dialogue, which marks the transition from silent films to sound films. Citizen Kane, although often hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, was released in 1941 and is not a silent film. Vertigo, released in 1958, is a classic thriller but also belongs to the sound era of cinema. Therefore, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari stands out as the quintessential example of a silent film within the choices provided.