CLICK TO WATCH FULL MOVIE
The Making of ‘Schindler’s List’: Unveiling the Secrets Behind a Cinematic Masterpiece
“Schindler’s List,” by famous director Steven Spielberg, is a cinematic masterpiece that tells the harrowing yet true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman and industrialist who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Based on the novel “Schindler’s Ark” by Thomas Keneally, the film is a powerful depiction of humanity’s capacity for evil and good. As we delve into the making of this monumental film, we’ll uncover the challenges, triumphs, and serendipitous moments that brought “Schindler’s List” to life, from casting decisions and on-set anecdotes to post-production secrets and audience reactions.
Summary of the Storyline
Set against the backdrop of World War II, “Schindler’s List” follows the transformation of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a sophisticated and initially self-serving businessman who becomes an unlikely hero. Schindler arrives in Kraków, Poland, seeking to profit from the war by exploiting cheap Jewish labor. He established a factory producing enamelware and hired Jewish workers to staff it, primarily to capitalize on their free labor.
As the atrocities of the Holocaust unfold, Schindler’s priorities shift. Witnessing the brutal liquidation of the Kraków ghetto and the horrors of the Plaszow concentration camp, Schindler resolves to save as many Jews as possible. With the help of his loyal Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley), Schindler compiles a list of “essential” workers, securing their transfer to his factory in Brünnlitz, thereby saving them from almost certain death in Auschwitz.
Throughout the film, Schindler’s moral awakening is juxtaposed with the relentless cruelty of Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes), the sadistic commander of Plaszow. The stark contrast between Schindler’s growing humanity and Goeth’s inhumanity underscores the film’s central themes of redemption and the impact of individual actions in the face of evil.
Steven Spielberg’s Profound Responsibility
Spielberg, himself Jewish, felt a profound personal responsibility to tell this story authentically and respectfully. He meticulously researched the Holocaust and Schindler’s life, determined to honor the victims and survivors. This commitment extended beyond historical accuracy; Spielberg aimed to evoke empathy and understanding, ensuring the audience wouldn’t simply witness the horrors but feel them.
Recreating the Past: The Power of Authenticity
The decision to film in Krakow, Poland, where the events unfolded, proved instrumental. The city’s existing architecture, much of it untouched by time, provided an unsettlingly authentic backdrop. The production team meticulously recreated Jewish ghettos and concentration camps, further blurring the lines between reality and cinema. This dedication to authenticity imbued every frame with a palpable sense of historical immediacy.
The Stark Choice of Black and White
In a bold artistic move, Spielberg opted for black-and-white cinematography. This stripped-down aesthetic served a dual purpose. It forced the audience to focus on the stark realities of the Holocaust, the brutality unvarnished by the distraction of color. Additionally, it evoked a sense of timeless tragedy, underscoring the film’s universality and its relevance beyond the specific context of World War II.
The Emotional Toll
The subject matter took a significant emotional toll on the cast and crew. Spielberg, known for his meticulous nature, created a safe space for open communication and emotional support. He consulted with Holocaust survivors and ensured mental health professionals were readily available. Despite these measures, the weight of the film’s themes remained a constant companion throughout production.
The Inclusion of Holocaust Survivors
A crucial decision involved featuring real Holocaust survivors as extras. Their presence wasn’t merely for historical accuracy; it added an undeniable layer of authenticity and emotional resonance. Witnessing the survivors’ reactions during filming, particularly during the more harrowing scenes, was a constant reminder of the film’s significance and the weight of the stories being told.
A Beacon of Hope Amidst the Carnage
One of the film’s most iconic scenes features a young girl in a bright red coat amidst the desolation of the Krakow Ghetto. This single splash of color starkly contrasts the black-and-white world, a powerful symbol of hope and innocence persisting even in the face of unimaginable horror. The scene’s haunting beauty and symbolism remain etched in moviegoer’s minds long after the credits roll.
A Legacy of Remembrance
Schindler’s List’s impact extends far beyond the silver screen. It has become a vital tool for Holocaust education, fostering understanding and ensuring the atrocities of the past are never forgotten. The film has sparked countless conversations, challenged perspectives, and inspired generations to fight against prejudice and indifference.
Origin and Development of the Script
The journey of bringing “Schindler’s List” to the screen began with the publication of Thomas Keneally’s novel Schindler’s Ark in 1982. The book, which won the Booker Prize, was based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. The novel’s detailed account of Schindler’s transformation from a war profiteer to a savior of Jews caught the attention of film producers and directors worldwide.
Steven Spielberg’s Initial Reluctance
Steven Spielberg first read “Schindler’s Ark” shortly after its publication. Deeply moved by the story, he acquired the film rights in 1983. However, Spielberg felt unprepared to tackle such a significant and sensitive subject. He believed the story required a level of maturity and directorial experience that he had yet to attain. Over the next decade, Spielberg focused on building his career with blockbuster films while the project remained on hold.
During this period, Spielberg attempted to pass the project to several other directors, including Roman Polanski and Martin Scorsese. Polanski declined because the subject matter was too personal, having survived the Kraków ghetto as a child. Scorsese was interested but ultimately suggested that Spielberg was the right person to tell this story.
The Writing Process
In 1988, Spielberg finally felt ready to move forward with the project. He hired Steven Zaillian, an acclaimed screenwriter known for his meticulous research and powerful storytelling, to adapt Keneally’s novel into a screenplay. Zaillian spent over a year crafting the script, ensuring it remained faithful to the historical events and the story’s emotional core.
Zaillian’s script emphasized Oskar Schindler’s transformation from a hedonistic businessman to a compassionate savior. The screenplay highlighted key events and characters, such as the liquidation of the Kraków ghetto, the horrors of the Plaszow concentration camp, and the creation of Schindler’s list of “essential” workers. Zaillian’s writing struck a delicate balance between historical accuracy and dramatic storytelling, capturing the essence of Keneally’s novel while making it suitable for a cinematic adaptation.
Casting Decisions
The casting of “Schindler’s List” was crucial to its success, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.
Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler
Steven Spielberg cast Liam Neeson after witnessing his powerful performance in the Broadway play Anna Christie. Neeson’s towering presence and ability to convey charm and moral complexity made him the perfect choice to portray Schindler. Neeson immersed himself in the role, studying Schindler’s history and mannerisms to portray him authentically. Interestingly, Kevin Costner and Mel Gibson were also considered for the role. Still, Spielberg felt Neeson brought a unique intensity and vulnerability to the character that was indispensable for the film.
Ben Kingsley as Itzhak Stern
Ben Kingsley, an Academy Award-winning actor known for portraying Mahatma Gandhi, was chosen to play Itzhak Stern. Kingsley’s ability to convey quiet strength and resilience made him an ideal fit for the role of Schindler’s indispensable aide. Kingsley meticulously prepared for his role by researching Stern’s background and understanding the profound significance of his character’s contributions. His nuanced performance strongly countered Neeson’s Schindler, grounding the film with palpable moral integrity and courage.
Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth
The role of Amon Goeth was the most challenging to cast due to the character’s sheer malevolence. Ralph Fiennes, relatively unknown at the time, impressed Spielberg with his audition, capturing Goeth’s chilling blend of charm and brutality. Fiennes underwent a physical transformation, gaining 28 pounds to embody Goeth’s imposing presence. He stayed in character even off-camera, which added to the authenticity of his portrayal. Fiennes also studied Nazi history and Goeth’s background extensively to deliver a performance that remains one of the most haunting portrayals of a Nazi officer in film history.
Trivia
Real Survivors: The emotional ending scene, where Schindlerjuden places stones on Schindler’s grave, features real-life survivors and their descendants. This choice added a profound layer of authenticity and poignancy to the film’s conclusion.
Director’s Hesitation: Spielberg initially felt unprepared to tackle such a significant subject and tried to pass the project to directors like Roman Polanski and Martin Scorsese. Polanski declined because the subject was too personal for him, as he had survived the Kraków ghetto as a child.
Real Locations: Much of the film was shot on location in Kraków, Poland, near the actual sites where historical events occurred. Spielberg insisted on using real locations to enhance the film’s authenticity, even though it was emotionally challenging for the cast and crew.
Filming in Black and White: Spielberg chose to shoot the film in black and white to reflect the documentary footage of the era and give the film a timeless quality. He believed that the stark contrasts would better convey the grim reality of the Holocaust.
The Girl in the Red Coat: The iconic scene featuring the girl in the red coat was inspired by a real story Spielberg read. It symbolized the innocence amidst the horror and was one of the few elements shot in color, making it a powerful visual motif.
Non-Professional Extras: Many extras were Holocaust survivors or related to survivors, adding authenticity to the film. Their presence on set brought a sobering reality to the production, reminding everyone of the historical weight of the story they were telling.
Spielberg’s Personal Connection: Spielberg, who is Jewish, found making the film emotionally taxing. He had Robin Williams call him to tell jokes to lift his spirits during the shoot. The director has often spoken about how deeply personal this project was for him.
Cameo: Branko Lustig, the film’s producer and a Holocaust survivor, makes a cameo as a prisoner. Lustig’s involvement in the film added a layer of authenticity and personal investment in accurately depicting the events.
Oskar Schindler’s Ring: The Hebrew inscription on the ring gifted to Schindler translates to “Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.” This poignant line underscores the film’s central theme of the value of human life.
Emotional Impact: The cast and crew often cried during filming, particularly in scenes depicting violence and atrocities. Spielberg allowed for breaks and provided counseling support on set to help everyone cope with the heavy material.
Editing at Night: Spielberg also worked on “Jurassic Park” during the day and edited “Schindler’s List” at night. This grueling schedule demonstrates his dedication to both projects, though he sometimes found the emotional weight of “Schindler’s List” overwhelming.
Ralph Fiennes’ Transformation: Fiennes gained 28 pounds to portray Goeth more accurately and stayed in character even off-camera. His commitment to the role was so intense that Spielberg once said he couldn’t bear to be around Fiennes when he was in character.
Real Schindlerjuden: Some original Schindlerjuden visited the set, providing invaluable insights and emotional support. Their presence was a sobering reminder of the film’s real-life stakes and a source of inspiration for the cast and crew.
Composer’s Reluctance: John Williams, the film’s composer, initially felt he was not worthy of scoring the film and only agreed after Spielberg convinced him. Williams created one of the most haunting and beautiful film scores, earning him an Academy Award.
Historical Accuracy: The film’s production team worked meticulously to ensure historical accuracy, down to the smallest details in costumes and sets. They consulted historians and Holocaust experts to depict events as accurately as possible.
Impact on Actors: Many actors, including Neeson and Kingsley, reported feeling profoundly changed by their participation in the film. They described the experience as a sobering reminder of the Holocaust’s horrors and a call to remember and honor its victims.
Unscripted Moments: Some of the most poignant scenes, including the girl in the red coat, were unscripted and added during filming. Spielberg allowed for a degree of improvisation, which brought raw, authentic emotions to the film.
Language Choices: Spielberg decided not to use German or Polish for the dialogue to ensure the film’s accessibility and impact on a global audience. He believed that using English would allow the story to reach and resonate with more people.
Goeth’s Villa: The villa used for Goeth’s residence in the film is the actual location where he lived during the war. This choice added an eerie layer of authenticity, as the cast and crew were keenly aware they were filming at the site of actual atrocities.
Initial Funding Struggles: Despite Spielberg’s reputation, securing funding for the film was challenging due to its heavy subject matter. Studios were initially reluctant to back such a sad and serious project, fearing it might not be commercially viable.
Goofs
Incorrect Uniforms: Some of the Nazi uniforms have incorrect insignias that were not used during the depicted period. This was likely due to the difficulty in sourcing perfectly accurate props or minor oversights in the costume department.
Continuity Errors occur when the position of objects, like glasses on a table, changes between shots in several scenes. Such continuity errors are common in films but can be particularly noticeable in tightly edited dramatic scenes.
Anachronisms: A few modern buildings and structures are visible in the background of some scenes set in the 1940s. Despite efforts to shoot on location and create historically accurate sets, some anachronisms slipped through.
Historical Inaccuracies: Certain events, such as the train scenes, were dramatized and did not happen exactly as depicted. While the story remains true, some details were altered for dramatic effect.
Visible Crew: In a few scenes, crew members’ reflections can be seen in windows and mirrors. These moments are brief but can distract attentive viewers from the immersive experience of the film.
Incorrect Language Use: Some characters use phrases or words not commonly used during the period. This can occur when modern sensibilities influence dialogue or exact historical vocabulary is difficult to replicate.
Prop Errors: Modern props like electrical outlets are occasionally visible in the background. This is a common issue in period films where contemporary settings must be disguised.
Mismatched Timelines: The timeline of some events is compressed or altered for dramatic effect, leading to minor historical inaccuracies. This is often necessary to maintain narrative flow and emotional pacing in film adaptations of complex historical events.
Geographical Mistakes: The layout of Kraków, as depicted in the film, does not always match the actual historical layout. Filmmakers sometimes had to adapt real locations to fit the logistical and storytelling needs of the production.
Costume Inaccuracies: Some costumes feature zippers and fabrics unavailable during the 1940s. This can happen when modern costume-making techniques are used, but every effort is made to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
“Schindler’s List” remains one of the most significant films in cinematic history, not just for its storytelling but also for its meticulous craftsmanship and emotional depth. The journey from casting decisions to the final cut was fraught with challenges and moments of uncertainty, each contributing to the film’s enduring impact. As we peel back the layers of its creation, we gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and artistry that brought this powerful story to the screen.
Please explore our website for more behind-the-scenes insights and fascinating facts about your favorite movies and TV shows. Discover the untold stories and the magic that happens behind the camera, transforming scripts into unforgettable experiences. Dive into filmmaking with us and uncover the secrets that make cinema so captivating. Our website delves into the intricate details of movie production, highlighting the dedication, passion, and creativity of filmmakers, actors, and crew members. Whether it’s the historical accuracy of “Schindler’s List,” the groundbreaking visual effects in sci-fi blockbusters, or the intense preparation actors undergo for their roles, we cover it all.