With the Holocaust so well documented, it is difficult to believe that another work of art would be able to further expand upon the subject. Much in the vein of The Diary of Ann Frank, The Pianist tells a personal story of how this tragic event affected the Szpilman family, specifically Pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman.

The film starts off predictably enough, depicted Warsaw, Poland in the late 1930’s, just as Hitler has advanced and is beginning to enforce his rule. Soon what starts out as segregation has spiraled into extermination. All of this is depicted in horrifying detail, giving visualizations to what now seems like a surreal freeze-frame in the history of mankind.

Unlike so many other movies, which have desensitized audiences to violence, The Pianist displays the brutality exhibited for what it was. No value was placed on the lives of Jews and viewing this recreation sixty years later it is so difficult to imagine so many would turn a blind eye for so long.

It could be said that the Germans were depicted early on as the personification of evil, but given the history behind Hitler’s reign does not seem to be an overstatement. However, throughout we are exposed to the occasional German with a hint of morality.

Szpilman’s interest in Chopin and his fervor for music were perhaps symbolic of something, but I didn’t give it much thought. Instead, I considered it a strong musical score, which served as a welcome relief to Szpilman’s struggle for survival. This struggle would have been impressive even if it was a work of fiction, but considering it is based on a true story (written by Wladyslaw) it borders on remarkable.

Since I was in high school when I viewed Schindler’s List, I am unable to compare these two holocaust films. However, if you have even the slightest interest in such historical films I recommend The Pianist without reservation. The acting, highlighted by Adrian Brody as Szpilman, is outstanding. The story moves quickly even through its two and a half hour duration to seize an audience’s interest and never let go until the final notes.