Monday, March 21, 2011

Schindler's List

The role of Itzhak Stern is crucial. Stern, an accountant, informs Schindler that German industrialists must pay less for Jewish slave labor than for Polish labor. In this way, Stern first opens the door for the possibility of Jewish rescue at Schindler's factory. In the film, Schindler sits down with Stern and proposes a toast to the factory's success. However, Stern is not interested in a toast. "Pretend for Christ's sake," Schindler pleads. "I'm trying to thank you, and acknowledge I couldn't have done it without you." Stern replies, "You're welcome." But he does not lift his glass.

How does this exchange influence Schindler? How does Stern, overall influence Schindler? What examples are there in the film of Stern nudging Schindler in the direction of rescue?