The Jewish Holocaust was a tragedy in human history that most of us wished never occurred. We have read about it in our history books, viewed grainy and horrific photographs containing its brutality. What if there was a film which not only assisted in retelling the story of the Holocaust, but allowed us to virtually witness it? Based on true events, and filmed using high contrast black and white, Schindlers List is the story of a man (Oskar Schindler) who takes advantage of the enslaved Jews of World War II, in order to profit from their free labor. However, he quickly discovers his conscience gets the best of him and begins to formulate ways to save his Jewish workers from certain death.
Throughout this paper, we will use a formalist approach to better analyze and prove realism to the story of Steven Spielberg’s Schindlers List, in addition to dissecting its emotional plot. Additionally, we take a closer look at the impeccable use of cinematography, sound, and use of symbolism used to give us more than a viewer experience. Based on true historical events and artistic use of direction, symbolism, and realism; Schindlers List enables its viewer to not only view the Jewish Holocaust, but due to its narrative based cinematography, witness it.
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The initial story about war profiteer and entrepreneur Oskar Schindler, inspired Spielberg’s award winning film. (Krammer 2006) Furthermore, this film stars an amazing cast of actors, who’s dialog and acting style greatly assist the realism of this historical film, which author of Balanced Truth: Steven Spielberg’s Schindlers List defines as re-creating a past where no other visual means of access are available. (Classen