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An emotionally devastating true story of a Jewish pianist in Poland caught in the horrors of World War II. This presentation, in conjunction with the vignette of Director Roman Polonski, powerfully conveys the epic journey of a man transformed by a series of events from an elegant musician to a debased shell. Despite the horrors, the film carries a message of hope and the strength of the human will.
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A Journal of Survival The Pianist
The Pianist • An emotionally devastating true story of a Jewish pianist in Poland caught in the horrors of World War II. • This presentation was designed to be viewed in conjunction with the vignette of Director Roman Polonski.
Roman Polonski • A survivor of the Holocaust who lost many family members. • Powerfully conveys epic journey of a man who is transformed by a series of events from an elegantly dressed, highly cultured musician to a scavenging, debased shell of a human being.
Background • Polonski always wanted to do a film about the period. • When he read the book, The Pianist, he knew this is what he wanted to film. • It was written right after the events happened so it was more likely to be accurate, untainted by faulty memories.
A Journey of Survival • Ever wonder how much abuse a human being can take, yet still bound back and have a good life? • A story of one man’s struggle for survival. • The film wasn’t just about physical violence; he endured mental, emotional and spiritual beatings.
Different Perspective • Filmed from a different perspective. • It is about the survival of one man rather than a group of people. • How does this compare to Schindler’s List?
Hope and Optimism • Uplifting movie despite the horrors it describes. • Deals with the strength of the will to live. • A message of hope because it shows that if you really want to survive you can overcome extraordinary events.
Motivation • Survived thanks to his passion for the arts, for the music and for his incredible willpower. • A handful of ordinary people did an extraordinary thing and risked their lives out of compassion for the victims Passion Willpower Compassion
Good and Bad • In and interview Polonski points out that there are good Jews and bad Jews, bad Germans and good Germans. • There is a message of hope.
Small Parts • Most effective parts are the small, vivid, almost unbearably poignant human moments. • Example: family awaiting transport to concentration camp combine all their remaining money to buy a single caramel which they carefully divide into four tiny portions. • Did they know/realize their fate?
Non Plus Ultra • Hitler and the holocaust remain the 20th. Century baseline for the discussion of evil.