As Oskar Schindler prepares to leave his factory and surrender to the Americans at the end of World War II, he bids farewell to the workers whose lives he saved. The workers give Schindler a signed statement affirming all he did to help Jewish lives during the Holocaust. This causes Schindler to break down, and he says that he should have saved more lives.
CURIOSITY: This scene was largely improvised. Spielberg encouraged Neeson to explore his own feelings of guilt and regret during filming, resulting in an extremely authentic and emotional performance.
Emotions of Oskar Schindler:
Guilt 🠖 Schindler feels overwhelming guilt for not having done more to save lives, despite having saved many people. He laments each missed opportunity, symbolized by the personal items he could have sold to save more Jews.
Regret 🠖 He expresses deep regret for not realizing earlier the extent of what he could have done. Each object he possesses becomes a symbol of a potential life saved.
Sadness 🠖 Schindler is visibly emotional and in tears, feeling the pain of the lost lives and the devastation of the Holocaust. His sadness is both for those he couldn’t save and for the horror of the situation they all faced.
Despair 🠖 He is desperate upon realizing that, despite his efforts, the evil they faced was vast and devastating. This feeling of despair is heightened by his late realization of his own limitations.
Humility 🠖 Schindler, who began the film as a confident and opportunistic man, is now humble and introspective, recognizing his human flaws and limitations.
Vulnerability 🠖 He shows vulnerability in front of those he saved, not hiding his tears and weaknesses, which starkly contrasts with his initial image as a shrewd and relentless businessman.
Emotions of the Survivors:
Gratitude 🠖 The survivors show deep gratitude towards Schindler, understanding the magnitude of his efforts and sacrifices. This gratitude is demonstrated by how they try to comfort him and by their supportive presence.
Respect 🠖 They respect Schindler not only for his heroic actions but also for his vulnerability and humanity. The scene demonstrates how they see him as a savior.
Empathy 🠖 They feel Schindler’s pain and share his sadness, despite having suffered immensely themselves. This mutual empathy strengthens the bond between them and Schindler.
Understanding 🠖 The survivors understand that Schindler did everything he could under the circumstances and that his guilt is a natural human reaction, albeit unnecessary in their eyes.
Emotions of the Audience:
Compassion 🠖 The audience feels deep compassion for Schindler seeing him so devastated. His regret and pain are palpable and evoke a strong emotional response.
Sympathy 🠖The audience's sympathy extends to both Schindler and the survivors. Understanding the emotional complexities of all involved intensifies the viewing experience.
Reflection 🠖 The scene prompts the audience to reflect on broader themes of morality, sacrifice, and the impact of individual actions during times of crisis.
Awareness 🠖 It also serves to raise awareness about the Holocaust and the stories of bravery and sacrifice that emerge from such tragedies.
Knowing that this scene is based on real events increases its impact, reminding us of the brutality of the Holocaust and the heroic acts of people like Oskar Schindler.