Schindler's List (6/9) Movie CLIP - Helen Hirsch (1993) HD

Summary

In a chilling account, Helen recounts her fear of being killed by the Commander, who exhibits arbitrary violence without discernible rules. Despite her terror, she is paradoxically protected by his perverse enjoyment of her company, which he keeps secret. The story vividly illustrates the Commander's capricious cruelty, as witnessed by the cold-blooded murder of an innocent passerby.

Takeaways

• 😔 The character is expressing fear and confusion about being beaten without a clear reason, highlighting the senseless violence they face.
• 😣 The dialogue reveals a power dynamic where the abuser uses the victim's questions as a pretext for violence, indicating a cycle of abuse.
• 😢 The character 'Helen' is aware of her suffering and has come to accept it, suggesting a deep resignation to her circumstances.
• 😱 A chilling account of witnessing the execution of an innocent woman by the Commander, emphasizing the arbitrary and brutal nature of power.
• 👀 The observation of the Commander's actions leads to the realization that there are no safe rules to follow, underlining the unpredictability of violence.
• 🤔 The character fears being shot by the Commander, reflecting the constant threat and fear of death in their environment.
• 😖 The Commander's enjoyment of Helen is mentioned as a reason he might not harm her, showing a twisted form of protection born from perverse pleasure.
• 😡 The Commander's refusal to let Helen wear the star indicates a desire to hide his attraction to a Jew, revealing hypocrisy and internal conflict.
• 😶 The woman's death is depicted as meaningless to the Commander, illustrating the dehumanizing perspective of those in power.
• 🤗 A moment of comfort and thanks is shown when a non-romantic kiss is given, suggesting moments of humanity amidst the despair.
• 🍷 The mention of wine could imply an attempt to find solace or escape through drink, a common coping mechanism in times of distress.

Q & A

What is the main character's fear regarding the Commander?

The main character fears that the Commander will eventually shoot her.

Why does the Commander beat the main character?

The Commander beats her because she asks why he is beating her, indicating a cycle of violence without a clear reason.

What incident did Helen witness involving the Commander?

Helen witnessed the Commander shooting a woman who was passing by, carrying a bundle, without any apparent reason.

How does the Commander's action of shooting the woman reflect his character?

The Commander's action shows his arbitrary use of power and lack of empathy, as the woman meant nothing to him and her death was neither offending nor pleasing to him.

What does the main character believe about the Commander's enjoyment of her?

The main character believes that the Commander enjoys her so much that he won't even let her wear the star, indicating he wants to keep her suffering a secret.

What does the main character mean when she says 'there are no set rules that you can live by'?

She means that there is no predictable pattern or rule that can guarantee safety in the face of the Commander's unpredictable and cruel behavior.

What does Helen see when she is on the roof with young Lisiek?

Helen and young Lisiek see the Commander coming out of the front door, descending the steps by the patio, and shooting a passing woman.

Why does the Commander not want the main character to wear the star?

The Commander does not want anyone else to know that he is enjoying the company of a Jew, which is implied by not letting her wear the star.

What is the significance of the kiss mentioned in the script?

The kiss is mentioned to clarify that it is not of a romantic or sexual nature, but rather a gesture of comfort or reassurance.

What does the mention of wine signify in the script?

The mention of wine could signify an attempt to lighten the mood or provide a moment of normalcy amidst the grim reality described in the script.