the pianist script – Scripts on Screen

The Pianist

The Pianist poster thumbnail

Year:2002

Director:Roman Polanski

Written by:Ronald Harwood (Screenplay), Wladyslaw Szpilman (Novel)

Script Synopsis:The true story of pianist Władysław Szpilman's experiences in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. When the Jews of the city find themselves forced into a ghetto, Szpilman finds work playing in a café; and when his family is deported in 1942, he stays behind, works for a while as a laborer, and eventually goes into hiding in the ruins of the war-torn city.

The Pianist Script Resources:

The Pianist Script PDF - 1998 final draft at The Daily Script
The Pianist Script - Undated Final draft at IMSDb
The Pianist Script at The Daily Script
The Pianist Script - 1998 final draft at The Daily Script
The Pianist Script PDF - 6/2/2001 at Script City ($)
The Pianist Script PDF - at Script Fly ($)

Note: Multiple links are listed since (a) different versions exist and (b) many scripts posted become unavailable over time. Please notify me if you encounter a stale link.

Other Links:

The Pianist ( tt0253474 ) at IMDb
The Pianist ( 423 ) at TheMovieDB.org

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Holocaust-Themed Scripts

The Holocaust of the Jewish people was one of the most terrible incidents in recent history. Millions of Jews were deprived of their rights, placed into concentration camps and suffered intolerable tortures during their stay. The people were treated like stains that needed to be expelled out of existence.

In modern society, the Holocaust proves to be a reminder of the dangers of racism and discrimination based on religion or heritage. It is also a lesson in hope, perseverance and faith. Film makers have tried to capture the fear and hope that intertwined behind the gates of concentration camps during that time. However, it is a difficult task.

The films below show some of the most courageous efforts to inform and romanticize the people who suffered and endured during that dark time. Despite the horrible setting, these scripts use subtlety and symbolism to engage their audiences and bring a hopeful message. Luckily, there has not been a huge demand for Holocaust films in the “torture porn” genre, yet.

The Holocaust is something that should be shown in a graceful manner; with disregard to cheap film tactics and emotionless scripts. For anyone who chooses to write a film about the Holocaust, they should remember it was a true story that affected the lives of millions of people. Their lives should be respected in a retelling of their experiences. The following films are a good example of how to write a poignant yet respectful script.