"Successful films present characters who are both heroic and realistic." Schindler's list, directed by Steven Spielberg, is an example of a film that represents this statement. This film, set during the Holocaust in World War II, is based on a true story and depicts the heroic actions of Oskar Schindler who saved more than 1,100 Jews from death during the Holocaust. It has been awarded seven Academy Awards, three Golden Globes and numerous other awards. It is indeed a successful film and has been named one of the top 100 films of all time by The American Film Institute. In this essay, I will discuss the first impressions of the two characters Oskar Schindler and Iztak Stern and how these two contrasting heroes emphasise the idea that real life…show more content… He uses his position as Schindler’s accountant to save his people, realising that the factory could be a safe haven for Jews. When we are introduced to Iztak Stern, we get the impression of an awkward, stiff character. Mid shots of Stern clutching his hat and standing stiffly in the scene where he is first introduced shows the evident discomfort. This is contrasted with Schindler’s obvious confidence, the mise en scene emphasising polar opposites as Stern sits on the edge of his seat and across the table Schindler lounges with his feet on the tableThis awkwardness of his character does not fit our image of a typical hero. But despite the uneasiness that is apparent through Stern’s body language, we see mid shots of Stern avoiding eye contact with Schindler which suggests that he is disgusted with him and is refusing to look this German man in the eye. The refusal of the drink Schindler offers also suggests that Stern has courage to reject and defy those in power. His insight is highlighted as Stern asks astutely (dialogue) ‘Let me understand. They put up all the money and I’d do all the work. What, if you don’t mind my asking would you do?” Schindler’s arrogant response floors the audience, ‘…not the work, the presentation.’ Through this, we see that though Stern may seem like an awkward character, he is morally good and has courage to stand up against Schindler. Spielberg has portrayed Stern as an unlikely hero. I think is appeals to the audience as it shows that it doesn’t take a confident, fearless person to be a hero. Furthermore, it addresses the question that many have asked as to why the Jews rebelled. In Stern we see a silent rebellion that saved 1100 people. Stern’s subtle networking and alliance with the unlikely hero, Schindler, paves the way for the transformation of Schindler from selfish to selfless industrialist.Through Iztak Stern, Spielberg again