Examples Of Schindler's List

Schindler’s List Critical Essay

INTRO:

Steven Spielberg’s heart wrenching film ‘Schindler’s List’ hinges on protagonist, war-profiteer Oskar Schindler and his gradual revelation in which he realises the true horror faced by the Jews throughout WWII under the Nazi regime. Schindler at first is wholly indifferent to the suffering of the Jewish people, however as the film progresses we see his true nature revealed. He is not a cold and uncaring capitalist, but a compassionate gentle soul. Spielberg perfectly presents Oskar Schindler and his complicated and difficult journey in becoming the good Samaritan we see towards the end of the film, Spielberg does so in a way in which adds to the enjoyment and appreciation of the film experience overall.

He does so by using clear imagery such as the display of many extravagant ties suggesting Schindler to be of the upper class, also we see Schindler gathering wads of cash, understandably an example of Schindler’s finances and related motives. The use of this imagery suggests to the audience that Schindler is the classic Nazi baddie and is in his nature evil; someone we cannot sympathise with, due to his unhealthy materialism and apparent indifference towards the Jewish people. However, Spielberg’s use of effective character building dialogue presents Schindler to be incredibly charismatic and someone the audience take a liking to, we can’t help but wanting to see Schindler do some good despite his superficial malevolence. Spielberg’s movie magic all help to contribute to Schindler’s fundamental character arc, by establishing his character we see where Schindler has started from on his journey and simultaneously we begin to root for him from the beginning making the gradual revelation and character progression something to appreciate even