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

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 20 th. Century baseline for the discussion of evil.