Blank Check with Griffin & David: Episode on Schindler's List Featuring David Ehrlich

Release Date: April 20, 2025
Producer: Ben Hosley
Hosts: Griffin Newman and David Sims
Special Guest: David Ehrlich

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve deep into Steven Spielberg's seminal work, Schindler's List, with special insights from film critic David Ehrlich. Produced by Ben Hosley, the episode navigates the intricate layers of Spielberg's filmmaking journey, the historical significance of the film, and its enduring impact on both cinema and collective memory.

Spielberg's Cinematic Evolution and the Birth of Schindler's List

Griffin Newman opens the discussion by contextualizing Schindler's List within Spielberg's broader filmography. David Sims emphasizes the film's role as a pivotal moment in Spielberg's career, marking his transition from blockbuster favorites like Jurassic Park and E.T. to more profound, historically grounded narratives.

"Schindler's List reviews directors' complete filmographies episode to episode," Griffin Newman notes, highlighting the podcast's focus on auteurs granted a 'blank check' from Hollywood to pursue passion projects. (01:16)

The conversation underscores how Schindler's List stands as a testament to Spielberg's versatility and commitment to storytelling that transcends mere entertainment, venturing into the realm of historical consciousness.

Character Analysis: Oskar Schindler and Amon Goeth

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the complex characters portrayed in Schindler's List. Liam Neeson's portrayal of Oskar Schindler is lauded for its depth and nuance, capturing the gradual moral awakening of a man initially driven by profit to one who recognizes the value of human life.

"Glad you really like Schindler," Ehrlich comments, appreciating Neeson's ability to embody the multifaceted nature of Schindler. (03:50)

Ben Kingsley's Amon Goeth serves as the antithesis to Schindler, embodying the unrelenting cruelty of the Nazi regime. The hosts discuss how Goeth's character is instrumental in catalyzing Schindler's transformation, pushing him towards acts of profound humanity.

"Amon Goeth is coded as deeply evil," David Sims observes, pointing out the sharp contrast between his character and Schindler's evolving conscience. (07:46)

Spielberg's Filmmaking Approach: Balancing Art and Responsibility

The trio explores Spielberg's meticulous approach to crafting Schindler's List, emphasizing the director's balance between creating a visually arresting film and responsibly portraying the horrors of the Holocaust.

"Spielberg's magic is just like you're so locked into every scene," Sims reflects, praising the director's ability to maintain audience engagement without sacrificing the film's gravity. (09:06)

Ehrlich shares personal anecdotes, revealing how Spielberg interacted with survivors and immersed himself in the historical context to ensure authenticity. This dedication is evident in Spielberg's collaboration with Janusz Kamiński, whose cinematography brings a haunting realism to the film.

"We listen to Kingsley on Marin," Ehrlich mentions, highlighting the behind-the-scenes efforts to capture genuine emotions and historical accuracy. (12:31)

Impact and Legacy: Shaping Collective Memory

A central theme of the episode is the enduring legacy of Schindler's List in shaping collective memory and its role in Holocaust education. The hosts discuss how the film has become a cultural touchstone, often referenced as a benchmark for historical cinema.

"Schindler's List has become synonymous with the Holocaust in our visual memory," Griffin Newman asserts, underscoring the film's pervasive influence. (07:23)

However, the discussion also touches upon the challenges of such a monumental film, including the risk of it becoming the sole reference point for Holocaust narratives, potentially overshadowing other important stories and academic discourses.

"There is a danger about one thing becoming the focal point for our memory of the Holocaust," Ehrlich warns, advocating for a diversified approach to historical representation. (08:46)

Personal Reflections: Navigating History and Memory

David Ehrlich brings a personal dimension to the conversation by sharing his family's history, as his grandfather was a Holocaust survivor. This narrative layer adds depth to the discussion, highlighting the personal responsibilities artists like Spielberg bear in portraying such sensitive topics.

"I am the grandson of a Holocaust survivor," Ehrlich reveals, connecting his personal heritage to the broader themes of the film. (27:14)

The hosts grapple with the emotional weight of the film, debating its accessibility to younger generations and its place in contemporary discourse amidst rising Holocaust denial and the resurgence of extremist ideologies.

"Schindler's List is a movie that cannot be made in a world with cell phones anymore," Sims muses, reflecting on the film's immersive nature that demands undivided attention. (21:36)

Notable Quotes

• "All you need to know is that the name of the shadow is Blackjack." - Griffin Newman (00:13)

• "Schindler's List is the most successful movie that is this difficult ever." - David Sims (07:46)

• "The legacy of the Holocaust lies in how it straddles the difference between those two parts of himself as an artist." - Erlich (08:46)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reaffirming the profound significance of Schindler's List both as a cinematic masterpiece and as an essential educational tool. They acknowledge the film's ability to evoke deep emotional responses and its role in preserving the memory of the Holocaust for future generations.

"This is why Schindler's List is bigger than the sum of its parts," David Sims concludes, emphasizing the film's unparalleled impact on culture and history. (76:50)

As they sign off, Griffin Newman and David Sims invite listeners to engage with the film critically and reflect on its enduring messages in today's global landscape.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded to maintain focus on the core discussion surrounding Schindler's List.