In order to continue looking at Holocaust literature, we will be viewing Roman Polanski's 2002 film, The Pianist. This film is an adaptation of the memoir written by Wladyslaw Szpilman, a famed Polish piano player, about his struggle to survive during the Holocaust.
The film is available to stream through Netflix, and important scenes can be found on YouTube.
You will be composing blog posts as we view the film.
You will need to answer each of the blog prompts by the due date. You may respond to each prompt in the order that you think is appropriate.
Here is a link to the assignment handout:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jICnhB_NAKziK7rUrh60RF0Le3X2y1DHFtwlHEcZVxw/edit?usp=sharing
Blog #1 Due before class on Monday, April 8.
Blog #2 Due before class on Wednesday, April 10
Blog #3 will be completed in class on Friday, April 12
Prompt
A: Compare
and contrast Elie Weisel and Wladyslaw Szpilman. Things to consider: their
families, personalities, and the environments they encounter, etc. Be thorough
with your analysis and go beyond how they simply are alike and different. Use
examples from both the book and film.
Prompt
B: Consider
the theme of inhumanity toward man. Explain what you notice about this theme in
the film. Does the film attempt to break away from this theme through the
interactions we see through some of the characters? Does the film show
something that Weisel’s memoir does not? Explain.
Prompt C: The Pianist is based on a memoir by Wladyslaw Szpilman. Because of the film adaptation we do not get to experience Wladyslaw’s life, as we do in reading a memoir like Night, where we get to experience the inner and personal thoughts of Elie Weisel. Choose one key scene from the film, and rewrite it as if were Szpilman’s own personal memoir. Write a first person account of the scene, giving detail and emotion. You may choose any scene that you feel is important.
Assignment: Blog #1 is due before class on April 8.
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