Schindler's List: Continued

6. Endings: One good technique is to have the story end in the same place it started. The difference in the character is revealing and dramatic. Schindler's bookends are a shabby room. He's introduced in a shabby room, preparing to charm the SS. His finale is also a shabby room, preparing to meet a family from his list.

Note: Another recent film that used this ending style is "Up in the Air."

7. Amazing Scenes: Always try to add some scenes/sequences that are amazing in their own right, irrespective of the overall plot. The kind of scenes people will fast-forward the DVD to and re-watch and re-re-watch. For example:
- The script contained a scene - left out of the film - where two groups of Jews, one secular and one orthodox, are herded by the SS into a synagogue and forced to spit on the Torah. Everyone does so until the last two, the rabbi and an old Jewish gangster, are left. The gangster refuses, at which the SS commander says, "I respect you," then shoots him. And everyone else.
- The sequence of the one-armed man. One scene where he thanks the embarrassed Schindler, followed by Schindler confronting Stern, climaxed by the man being shot in the snow.
- The sequence of Emilie's arrival. Emilie meeting Schindler's girlfriend, with Schindler charmingly telling Emilie "You would like her," Schindler and Emilie out for the evening with everyone surprised to meet "Mrs. Schindler," and Emilie asking to be asked to stay with Schindler not saying he will say she should stay, in great subtext.
- The scene where Schindler rescues Stern. The Germans, initially obstructive, loudly yell, "Stern!"

8. Recurring Motifs: The most obvious motif is the lists. Employed in many scenes, but sometimes having different effects. For example, in the beginning, the lists are an instrument of control and death. Later, they become an instrument of freedom and life.