Hayley Richards

APLAC – 1

Miss Taylor

13 February 2012

When one watches a dramatic film, one is not expecting a light-hearted feature that will make you laugh but is anticipating an intense storyline that is straightforward and to-the-point. Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List won an Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, as well as in four more categories. It also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture-Drama, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Schindler’s List is a classic dramatic film that brings the true story of Oskar Schindler to life as well as the tragic events of the holocaust. Schindler’s List deserves the title of the best holocaust film ever made for its strikingly true storyline and great appeal to pathos throughout the entire film.

In this 1993 film, Spielberg brought to life the true story of Oskar Schindler, a Nazi party member, who started out by using the Jews for his own benefit but eventually towards the end, turned around in an effort to help save the Jews. Throughout the entire film you witness the disgusting events that took place during the holocaust yet are compelled to continue watching in hope of a good ending. Although made after the invention of color films, Schindler’s List uses black and white filmography to bring the realistic feel of the holocaust to life, the feeling of hopelessness, misery, and despair. This use of black and white film also allows the viewer to focus on the message in the film instead of the actual pictures shown.

What is even more riveting is the films small use of color on the little girls dress. This small use of red in only a couple of scenes in the movie is done so to symbolize the death and terror that happened throughout the many years of the holocaust. Spielberg’s splash of color is perhaps the most important part of the film. In parts where the little girl in the red dress is seen, it is clear to see that Schindler notices the girl, or perhaps notices the death that surrounds her. In the final scene with the girl in the red dress, when she is being carried away to be burned, Schindler finally comes to the realization of the horrible death that surrounds him and then turns towards his efforts to help the Jews. This tiny use of color adds to the film’s appeal to emotion as well. A films use of pathos is perhaps one of the more important techniques used because of the strong connection it makes with the audience.

In bringing to life one of the most tragic events in history, many people feel a natural interest drawing them to learn more about it. Just like the unforgettable events on 9/11; no one can forget the horrible events that took place that day, yet year after year, people tune into the same documentaries shown on television reminding them of the worst terrorist attack on our nation. The only difference is that the holocaust lasted for years and killed the same amount of people day after day. People feel a strong attraction to historical tragedies. What makes Schindler’s List even more compelling, is the fact that it is based on a true story. Audiences are drawn to a true story just for the fact that it is based upon something that has actually happened. The fact that Schindler’s List is so accurate makes the movie even more captivating.

Schindler’s List will forever be a heart-wrenching remembrance of the sadistic genocide that killed more than six million Jews. The holocaust was a sure tragedy against mankind and the reason why it will never be forgotten. No one can watch Schindler’s List and not understand the horrific events that took place. The reason why Schindler’s List will always be a classic drama as well as the best holocaust film ever made is for it’s utter accuracy on the subject at place as well as its strong connection with it’s audience. Steven Spielberg will always be remembered for this truly classic film and for its respectful tribute to one of the worst acts upon mankind in all of history.

Work Cited

http://mikegrost.com/zcrit.htm

James Brundage “Schindler’s List” http://www.filmcritic.com/reviews/1993/schindlers-list/

“Schindler’s List” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schindler's_List#Won

“The Righteous Among the Nation” http://www1.yadvashem.org/yv/en/righteous/stories/schindler.asp