True Stories 12: 90s—Schindler’s List

As you contemplate writing your own true story, let’s continue our look at films that are based on true stories by turning to one of the greats of all time, Schindler’s List.

While there have been other films about the holocaust, this one shines bright. First of all, it tells the story of the holocaust by focusing on someone most of us probably never heard of, Oskar Schindler. And then it makes it very clear that he’s not perfect—he’s not a perfect man at all… but he did do this one really good thing.

Thus, we have a film exploring Poland during WWII and a factory owner who’s awakened to the atrocities being committed against the prisoners in the camp who, if they’re lucky, become his workers and are able to avoid execution. And yet, Schindler is not a perfect person. At all. So, bang out of the box, he’s not a sympathetic character… until he is… And I think it’s that juxtaposition that really makes this story. Take a look at the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG22XNhtnoY

His nemesis in the film is Goeth, the commander of the camp, and through him we see just how horrible a Nazi can be. But, of course, Schindler is also a Nazi… and seeing him navigate the waters is fascinating.

The film always focuses on the human aspect of the war. We see people being arrested and taken to the trains that will take them to the camps, we see families separated, we see death and the most savage brutality. And we also see the humanity that can come when one man endeavors to outsmart the system.

One of the things you can’t ignore about this film is that it’s 3 hours long. Believe me, no one will make your script if it’s that long. If you’re Spielberg, you can commission a script that long and get it made. But for a new writer to try and do that—pretty much suicide. So do stick to the 2 hour max… in fact, most films these days are closer to 90 minutes unless we’re talking about a Marvel comic spectacle or something.

When this film was made, there had already been a number of films that focused on the holocaust. And it took someone with power to make another one. So that can be true of topics that have been done before—a producer or agent will say, ‘that’s already been done’ and your script won’t get the attention it deserves.

But… I wouldn’t let that stop you from writing what you want. Just ask yourself: Do I have a different take on this than anyone else? Is there something special at the heart of this story that I can tell better than those who have come before me? Can I make my story more moving than any who have come before?

Never back away from telling a story that’s close to your heart, just make sure your take on it is original and intriguing.

Next week, it’s on to a true biopic: Elizabeth.

Copyright © Diane Lake

28Aug22

Email Diane a question to Diane@DianeLake.com