Categories and Functions of Sound
Themes
The “liquidation of the ghetto”, is a scene where director Steven Spielberg uniquely captures, sets the mood, and establishes important themes of cruelty and sympathy in the film.
The scene begins with a low angle shot of the balconies in the ghetto as luggage and personal items are being thrown down to the street. The sound of people screaming and German soldier giving orders along with the sound of glass and belongings crashing and breaking delivers a tremendous fear effect as Schindler is at the top of a hill and clearly shows how emotionally affected he is by what he is witnessing. (Liquidation of the Ghetto: Schindler’s List, 1993).
The anarchy of the German soldiers rounding up Jews is constantly followed by the beautiful and emotional arrangement of a violin being played which gives you the feel of helplessness.
Mood and characterizations of Schindler’s List through sound
The theme from Schindler’s List in one of the most known distinguished modern day film scores up to date. “Score The background mood music that accompanies the action on the screen, usually composed specifically for a film but sometimes partly or entirely compiled from existing music” (Goodykoontz, 2014). Especially the violin solo being played with a sincere style of sorrow that cannot be compared; it’s just simply beautiful. (Krakau Ghetto Playlist: Schindler’s List, 1993).
Spielberg uses camera angles, color, and sound to achieve the mood of anarchy and terror. He does this so well that audiences find themselves in the verge of tears.
References
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Krakau Ghetto Playlist: Schindler’s List (1993). Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmIv7nARhr0
Liquidation of the Ghetto: Schindler’s List (1993). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx9kzNcd-GU
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