Film Analysis: Schindler\'s List

¶ … film "Schindler's List," directed by Stephen Spielberg, in 1993.

SCHINDLER'S LIST

This film is much more than just a movie to entertain. It is a film that enlightens the viewer, and tells a true story of great strength and courage. The camera work is jerky at times, reminiscent of "cinema verite," and at other times it is almost stark, with alternating shadow and light, expressing the starkness of the Jews lives as they came under Nazi rule. The use of camera angles, dark lighting, and the eerie musical score all set the somber mood for the film, and add to its overall impact. Spielberg understands how all the components of a film, from writing to lighting, come together to create the whole.

The film is memorable for several reasons. First, it tells the story of an ordinary man, who rises to greatness when it is necessary. Schindler is an unlikely hero; he is a womanizer, a member of the Nazi party, and an astute businessman. At first, he saves Jews simply because they are necessary for his business to keep operating. We see it as nothing more than a business decision. However, as the movie goes on, Schindler sees what is happening all around him, and he does not like it, or agree with it. He saves over 1,000 Jews, but loses his business in the end, and leaves Germany almost penniless.

The film also follows a Nazi soldier, as he completes his missions - eradicating Jews. Seeing the two main characters side-by-side helps contrast them, but also allows us to see them both as humans, no matter what we want to believe about them.

Personally, I found the film very difficult to watch. I understand what atrocities took place during World War II, and they are nothing but shocking. I have read many equally disturbing books, but I think it is more difficult to watch it, than to read it. I think the film made an impact on me because it portrayed Schindler as a real man, with real problems, and real shortcomings, not just a hero who could do no wrong. That is not real life and this film certainly portrayed real life, in all its horror and disgust.

The use of camera angles, lighting, and character development throughout the movie were the most interesting to me. It was also interesting to see how Spielberg tried to recreate the World War II Poland ghetto, and the horrors and humiliation of the concentration camps. One of the most moving scenes was when Schindler follows the women and girls who are misdirected to a camp, and sees first-hand what is happening to the Jews. It is also one of the most disturbing scenes, as the ash floats down at the beginning of the scene, and you know what the ash contains, you do not have to be told.

CONCLUSION