Content analysis of the film Schindler's List

Abstract

This study is a structural analysis of the film, Schindler's List (1993) directed by Steven Spielberg. This study has selected seventeen (17) plots from the film and analyzed it based on its elements, specifically, plot, theme, type/genre, characterization, dialogue and moral messages. Based on the analysis, majority of the selected plots of the movie has a Dramatic type/genre. Schindler's List is the true story of Oskar Schindler, a native German; he relocated to Krakow, Poland after it fell into German hands so he could capitalize on Jewish labor at slave wages. He underwent an important change, slowly realizing that this was wrong and that he could do something about it. Schindler’s list of Jews to be saved had grown over 1,000, and he had spent his entire fortune to buy their lives form the Nazis. The theme of the movie contains brutality. The scenes shown in the movie were mostly brutal because it happened during the Holocaust; it is an absolute evil, a black hole that swallows humor and humanity, which severely limits how it can be depicted onscreen. This is an excellent film and an accurate portrayal of the Holocaust. The characterization of the actors Fiennes and Neeson are superb in the roles and thoroughly deserve their Oscar nominations. The chemistry between both actors is clearly evident for all to see. The dialogues in this film are portrayed in an ideal and successful manner that the viewer can easily obtain the message of the movie. The main message of this film is about Love and Courage that goes hand in hand. This study had proven how to be an effective and beneficial film not only to students but every single individual who wants to learn.