The Secrets of the Schindler’s List Screenplay: A Valuable Resource for Aspiring Writers and Filmmakers
Schindler’s List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film is based on the novel “Schindler’s Ark” by Thomas Keneally, which tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The screenplay of Schindler’s List was written by Steven Zaillian, and it won him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The screenplay of Schindler’s List is considered a masterpiece of screenwriting, and it is an invaluable resource for aspiring writers and filmmakers. In this blog post, we will explore the secrets of the Schindler’s List screenplay and what makes it so great.
The Power of Research
Steven Zaillian spent months researching the Holocaust and Oskar Schindler’s life before writing the screenplay of Schindler’s List. He read books, watched documentaries, and even traveled to Poland to visit the sites where the events of the film took place. This extensive research allowed him to create a screenplay that was historically accurate and emotionally powerful.
As a writer or filmmaker, it is essential to do your research before starting to write your screenplay. This will not only help you create a more realistic and believable story, but it will also give you a deeper understanding of the subject matter you are dealing with.
The Importance of Character Development
The characters in Schindler’s List are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Oskar Schindler, the protagonist of the film, is not a perfect hero. He is a flawed character who starts out as a selfish businessman but gradually becomes a selfless savior. The other characters in the film, such as Amon Goeth and Itzhak Stern, are also complex and interesting.
As a writer or filmmaker, it is crucial to create characters that are not one-dimensional. Your characters should have flaws and strengths, and they should evolve throughout the story. This will make your characters more relatable and engaging for your audience.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
Schindler’s List is a film that relies heavily on visual storytelling. The film’s black-and-white cinematography, combined with its use of color in key scenes, creates a powerful and emotional experience for the viewer. The film’s visual style also helps to convey the horror and brutality of the Holocaust.
As a writer or filmmaker, it is essential to think about how you can use visual storytelling to enhance your story. This can include elements such as cinematography, color, lighting, and sound design.
The Importance of Dialogue
The dialogue in Schindler’s List is sparse but powerful. The film’s characters often communicate through gestures and actions rather than words. This creates a sense of tension and urgency in the film and allows the audience to focus on the emotions of the characters.
As a writer or filmmaker, it is essential to think about how you can use dialogue to enhance your story. Your dialogue should be concise, impactful, and help to move the story forward.
The Power of Collaboration
Schindler’s List is a film that was made possible by the collaboration of a talented group of filmmakers. Steven Spielberg, Steven Zaillian, and the film’s cast and crew all worked together to create a film that is considered a masterpiece of cinema.
As a writer or filmmaker, it is essential to remember that filmmaking is a collaborative process. You should be open to working with others and be willing to listen to their ideas and feedback.
Key Takeaways
The Schindler’s List screenplay is a valuable resource for aspiring writers and filmmakers. By studying the screenplay, you can learn about the power of research, the importance of character development, the power of visual storytelling, the importance of dialogue, and the power of collaboration.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the film and TV industry, you should consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program is designed to give you a comprehensive overview of the film and TV industry and provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
