Schindler's List - Semester 2

Justin Noddle Period 6

Summary: Schindler's List is a biographical drama made in 1993 about a German man named Oskar Schindler. It is 195 minutes long and by Steven Spielberg. In Poland during World War II, Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.

Question #1: What is the effect of black-and-white film in Schindler’s list?

The black-and-white presentation effectively evokes the World War II era and deepens the impact of the story. Black and white also gives the director the opportunity to use color to highlight key scenes and show a contrast in time. For example, the opening scene of the movie, which is one of the few scenes in color, fades into the next scene, in black and white. The black and white film also heightens the impact of the film’s violence and highlights the dual between good and evil.

Question #2: 

How does the editing contrast the difference between the Jews and the Nazis? 

Spielberg uses crosscutting to show the harsh difference between the hardship of the Jews and the comfort of the Nazis. It demonstrates the powerful contrast between happiness and sadness. In one particular scene, three scenes are interwoven: Schindler celebrates his birthday, a wedding takes place in the Plaszów labor camp, and Goeth beats Helen Hirsch. These crosscuts show a clear contrast between the lives of different people at the time.