English coursework: Schindlers list

Spielberg decided to make the film “Schindlers list” to show the world how badly the Jews were treated during the second world war and to show people that Schindler should be a hero, not merely a forgotten wartime businessman. Spielberg may also have decided to make this film as he is Jewish and he may be able to relate to the Jewish persecution better than other people. I believe that when Spielberg heard the Jews story he knew that he could direct the film and make sure that people would watch it and come away knowing that Schindler was a hero and for people to know all about the Jewish persecution; he wanted people to know the truth.

In the first scene of the film we see a Jewish family gathered around a candle. The whole shot is in black and white apart from the candle, which is in colour. The director uses a close up on the candle and slowly we see it burn away. All the time the colour of the candle is fading, and then just before it goes out, the film goes to black and white. This symbolises the Jewish hope slowly fading away with the candle, until eventually there’s none remaining. The wisp of candle smoke then goes up to the roof and the smoke changes shot and tur

Spielberg also uses Amon Goeth to reflect the horror of the Jewish persecution. The camera following Goeth shows this as we see the evil activities he is responsible for. This low camera angle works well and the audience get a sense of Goeths evil.

ns into the smoke of a train, which is taking Jews to the Krakow camp. This contrast works well as the shot changes from the Jews celebrating to the shot where the train is taking them to the camp. This shows the loss of the Jews power and hope.

In the next scene we see Schindlers face and body for the first time; he is smart, tidy and clean. The audience now sees Schindler bribing various doormen and waiters and eventually he persuades a table of German generals and their girlfriend to come over and join him. This scene emphasises Schindlers manipulative personality, which later on in the film allows him to save hundreds of Jewish prisoners. This scene is very important as later on in the film we see the change between Schindler now and Schindler then.

Colour is used for the final time when we see the actors and the real people visiting Schindlers grave. This use of colour may also demonstrate a new Jewish hope and sense of freedom. This works well as its good to know the people are real, and Schindler isn’t simply a made up hero. The film also shows that anyone can be a hero, you don’t have to be superman.

Some topics in this essay:
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