SCHINDLER'S LIST

"Schindler's List" is one of those films which is almost universally agreed upon as being great. It stole the show at the 1994 Academy Awards, and is considered one of the most impressive achievements of an all time great director. Certainly a bold undertaking, I can understand why viewers and critics commend its scale and honesty, but I myself am part of a rare set which calls this film overrated. And grossly overrated it is. I agree that it is a good movie, but by no stretch would I call it the unprecedented, transcendent cinematic experience that everyone else seems to. Before this article is disregarded as an act of modern cultural blasphemy, I have a legitimate case to make, and it goes beyond the 195 minute runtime aspect.

Oskar Schindler's story is undoubtedly one worth telling. The German businessman employs Jewish workers to work in his factory at the start of the second World War and the Holocaust. As Jewish extermination becomes more prevalent, Schindler recognizes that through designating Jews as important workers for the German war effort, he is able to save hundreds of innocent lives. At the center of the film, Liam Neeson is as charismatic as he is imposing. His shining performance is the highlight of his career as he shows Schindler to be a greatly conflicted, but ultimately goodhearted man. For me however, "Schindler's List"'s greatest strength comes in the form of Ralph Fiennes' performance as the despicable, loathsome Nazi commandant, Amon Goeth. It's hard to think of a character in film history deserving of more hatred than this one. I would call Fiennes' turn a "bright spot" in this film, but perhaps it is better to say it's the films strongest dark spot, as his embodiment of sinful atrocity is painfully compelling. This pair of actors represent what I believe to be the films best aspects, while other factors are not nearly as masterful.

I must say that I surely recognize the greatness of Steven Spielberg. Few directors in modern Hollywood, or possibly ever in Hollywood, can match his prolific originality and overall success rate in filmmaking. "E.T.", "Jaws", and "Bridge of Spies" are all favorites of mine, but other iconic efforts of his do not seem to strike the same chord with me. With regards to "Schindler's List", I am not going to attempt to tell Steven Spielberg how to make movies, but for a movie to be nearly three and a half hours long, it must be air-tight the whole way through; keeping the audience engaged and excited and not wasting a minute. Unfortunately, this film does not do that. It becomes redundant in its attempted poignancy, and while it does the job of delineating the tragedy that was the Holocaust, it could have been equally effective with many aspects pared down, cut short, and left out.

But, as I said, the flaws of "Schindler's List" go beyond its length, as there are other films as long as this one which I love. To be frank, at times I see this film as an attempt from Spielberg to be taken more seriously than he had been in recent years. In the 1980's and early 1990's, Spielberg's recent successes included "E.T.", "Hook", and the beloved "Indiana Jones" saga. Additionally, "Jurassic Park" was in production and not far from its release. These are adventure films, which are, for the most part, lighthearted, happy-ending, and aimed at enrapturing family audiences with movie magic. "Schindler's List" represents a clear departure from films like these, and while many of its emotional elements are effective, I find that others miss the mark. In particular, the scene depicting the young girl wandering in her red jacket against the black and white scenery is an unnecessary, oversimplified way to tell already aware audiences, "Look, sad things are going on here". In fact, the use of black and white in general, while often commended as an insightful move by a film genius, seems rather simple and obvious to me. Another scene loved by many is the emotional breakdown of Oskar Schindler at the conclusion of the story. While Neeson's acting in this scene is excellent, I find the inclusion of this moment to be forced and out of character. For the vast majority of the film, Schindler is shown to be an astute, constantly collected businessman. Leading up to this moment, the character's flashes of deep sympathy and genuine, humane concern are infrequent, and the film has become static and numb to the point where it is difficult to connect with the scene. Its one of many which I find to doesn't hit the emotional pitch that it intends to.

Curmudgeonly as this review may sound, I have not lost sight of the fact that, yes, "Schindler's List" is a good movie. I commend Spielberg for taking on subject matter like this, and I commend the films actors for bringing to life such imposing and polarizing characters. Nonetheless, I stand by my unpopular opinion that it is not a near perfect production. It would have benefitted from limiting its repetitive, occasionally feeble attempts at depth. Perhaps the Holocaust is a subject so grim that it's really impossible to do justice on the screen. Spielberg's take is simplified and, while occasionally powerful, fails to hit on all the emotions it seeks. It's a film you must see once, but, while I cannot imagine why you would want to, never have to see again.

RATING: 7/10