This essay will examine such movies as Schindler’s List and Stop-Loss. To a great extent, they can be viewed as war films. It is necessary to compare these works in terms of characterization, plot, sound, camera movement, and lighting.
These films throw light on the experiences of people, who are affected by war. Overall, it is possible to say that Schindler’s List creates a more authentic atmosphere of that period with the help of various mise-en-scene elements such as low-key lighting and the use of the hand-held camera.
Moreover, the use of implicit characterization enables the viewers to trace the gradual transformation of the protagonist. These are the main aspects that should be considered.
At first, it is important to focus on such a criterion as characterization. For example, the authors of Schindler’s List prefer implicit characterization which means that the viewers can discover various qualities of the protagonist by looking at his/her actions, thoughts, or speech.
For example, at the beginning of the movie, Oscar Schindler appears to be a ruthless entrepreneur who wants to take advantage of other people’s misfortunes, but later the viewers can see that this person can empathize with the suffering of others and take significant risks to help the victims of injustice.
This approach is critical for the success of this movie. The film Stop-Loss is also based on indirect characterization; yet, the viewers can instantly understand that the main character, Brandon King is haunted by the memories of war, especially the unintentional killing Iraqi civilians. This is one of the main points that can be made.
It is also important to mention the peculiarities of the plot. One can argue that both these films are based on the linear plot. In other words, the events described by the authors are presented in a strict chronological order. Overall, this approach is typical of many war movies.
Moreover, in both cases, the plot is supposed to highlight the moral development of the protagonists. These people have to decide what kind of actions or choices can help them maintain their integrity.
Additionally, one should play close attention to the role of sound in these films. It is possible to say that both movies incorporate non-diegetic sounds. This means that their source is not visible or identifiable. For instance, Schindler’ List incorporates classical music by John Williams.
Overall, this score is supposed to emphasize the feelings and emotions of the main characters try to retain their humanity while facing the atrocities of war. Moreover, there are many German and Polish songs that were very popular before World War II.
In this way, the authors of this movie tried to recreate the authentic atmosphere of that period. The film Stop-Loss also includes musical score which enables the viewers to sense the desperation of the protagonist who is made to come back to Iraq. On the whole, music is an inseparable component of this movie.
Apart from that, cinematographic elements are also vital for the comparison of these films. For example, Schindler’ List involves mostly low-key lighting.
This means that there is a sharp contrast of between dark and light. In contrast, the authors of the movie Stop-Loss prefer mostly three-point lighting.
One should mention that the lighting used in Schindler’s List is supposed to emulate the techniques developed in the first half of the twentieth century. Moreover, this approach was adopted in many war movies.
Furthermore, much attention should be paid to the movement of the camera. The main distinction of Schindler’s List is that this film was shot mostly with the help of a hand-held camera. This strategy helped to increase the authenticity of this movie. In most cases, the camera is static.
In turn, Stop-Loss exemplifies various forms of movements such as dolly shots or tracking shots. This technique makes this movie more dynamic. Thus, in both cases, the movement of the camera is vital for portraying the behavior of people.
Finally, it is critical to discuss camera angle and distances. One can say that the film Schindler’s List exemplifies long-range, medium, and close-up shots.
They were taken mostly from the eye level. Very similar techniques can be observed in the movie Stop-Loss. It is possible to say that angles and distances do not play an important role in the development of the plot or characterization of the protagonists.
On the whole, both these films can demonstrate the destructive impact of war on the life of individuals and groups.
Schindler’s List can be viewed as a classical example of a war film because this cinematographic work demonstrates the transformation of an individual who tries to maintain his integrity during the time when cruelty has turned into a norm.
Moreover, this movie illustrates some of the techniques used in war films such as the use of hand-held-cameras and low-key lighting. They enhance the authenticity of the movie.
One can say that the film Stop-Loss can also give in-depth insights into the life of a person who is forced to return to war. Yet, it involves more modern techniques such as dolly shots and three-point lighting.