How does Polanski convey the theme of adversity on the human spirit in The Pianist?
In 2002, Parisian film director Roman Polanski adapted the memoir of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Jewish pianist living in Warsaw, Poland, during World War II. Once a prosperous musician known throughout the country, the film follows his survival of the holocaust. The experience has implications on the emotions of Szpilman, as well as his passion for music and creativity- his spirit as a human. Through the use of costumes and set designs, music and realism, he shows how the hardships of genocide and destruction of a segregated community can impact the human spirit.
Intricate costumes and set designs are used in The Pianist to depict the prevalence of adversity, as well as the ever changing circumstances of Wladyslaw Spilzman. An example of …show more content…
Although most movies accentuate certain features to create a ‘perfect’ scene, director Roman Polanski uses realism to depict a true-to-life representation of the struggles faced at the time; the story is not altered to ensure cinematic success. An example of this is how camera angles in The Pianist are very subtle, using stationary shots to film scenes of high intensity, such as during the bombings of Warsaw, Poland. Szpilman’s view from the apartment is established, roads lead the viewer to the correct position. No zooming or panning is performed to enhance the drama; it is as an observer would have seen the scene. During this scene Janina, a love interest of the protagonist, uses the quote, “Jews fighting back, who would have thought?”. Another cultural remark is of Henryk, Wladyslaw brother, when asked about joining the Jewish police stating, “Ah, more Jewish police. You mean you want me to beat up Jews and catch the Gestapo spirit? I see.” These uses of realism highlight the prevalence of human spirit in spite of a deadly
In 2002, Parisian film director Roman Polanski adapted the memoir of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Jewish pianist living in Warsaw, Poland, during World War II. Once a prosperous musician known throughout the country, the film follows his survival of the holocaust. The experience has implications on the emotions of Szpilman, as well as his passion for music and creativity- his spirit as a human. Through the use of costumes and set designs, music and realism, he shows how the hardships of genocide and destruction of a segregated community can impact the human spirit.
Intricate costumes and set designs are used in The Pianist to depict the prevalence of adversity, as well as the ever changing circumstances of Wladyslaw Spilzman. An example of …show more content…
Although most movies accentuate certain features to create a ‘perfect’ scene, director Roman Polanski uses realism to depict a true-to-life representation of the struggles faced at the time; the story is not altered to ensure cinematic success. An example of this is how camera angles in The Pianist are very subtle, using stationary shots to film scenes of high intensity, such as during the bombings of Warsaw, Poland. Szpilman’s view from the apartment is established, roads lead the viewer to the correct position. No zooming or panning is performed to enhance the drama; it is as an observer would have seen the scene. During this scene Janina, a love interest of the protagonist, uses the quote, “Jews fighting back, who would have thought?”. Another cultural remark is of Henryk, Wladyslaw brother, when asked about joining the Jewish police stating, “Ah, more Jewish police. You mean you want me to beat up Jews and catch the Gestapo spirit? I see.” These uses of realism highlight the prevalence of human spirit in spite of a deadly