Rewatching Steven Spielberg’s 1993 tragic war documentary Schindler’s List, is often considered difficult, especially because of the historical atrocities and the gruesomeness that the film reminds of. But THR recently revisited Schindler’s List with Spielberg and actor Liam Neeson, 30 years following its release.
While according to the filmmaker, the movie was never made as a cure for antisemitism, but merely as a reminder of its gruesome effects, Schindler’s List touched souls and bagged seven coveted Oscars. Looking back at the tear-jerker Liam Neeson spoke about his work experience and mentioned the preparation that went into his role after he was urged to model his performance on a real-life CEO over Oskar Schindler.
Revisiting the Miracle of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List
Created 30 years back in 1993 by Steven Spielberg, the war documentary Schindler’s List became a phenomenally powerful and effective portrayal of historical atrocities. Showcasing the brutalities of the holocaust and offering hope in the silhouette of the German businessman Oskar Schindler, Spielberg’s movie focused majorly on the miracle of the Jewish survivors over the tragedy of the slaughtered.
The tear-jerking documentary about how Oskar Schindler effectively saved over a thousand Jews from the atrocities towards their race, Schindler’s List made its way to the Oscars in 1994 and bagged seven coveted accolades under different categories. Looking back at the miracles of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 movie, THR sat for an interview with the filmmaker and actor Liam Neeson.
Discussing the inspiration and the work that went into the film, the outlet asked about the other actors who auditioned for the titular role of Oskar Schindler. With names like Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner, and even Mel Gibson coming up, Steven Spielberg noted how the role eventually went to Liam Neeson. However, after Spielberg offered the film to Neeson, the real work began as the actor recalled his preparation process.
Liam Neeson was Urged to Model His Role on Steve Ross
As Steven Spielberg wanted a “non-movie star for the part” as per agent Michael Ovitz, the role of Oskar Schindler went to Liam Neeson. Therefore speaking with THR and addressing the work that went behind his character, Neeson recalled his set experience. During the interview, the actor reflected upon facing one difficulty with understanding the role, especially after Spielberg urged him to model his performance based on a real-life CEO over the real historical figure.
“Spielberg eventually offered Neeson the job and urged him to model his performance on the Time Warner CEO Steve Ross, a close friend who died in late 1992,” THR reported.
Speaking about his friend Steve Ross, Steven Spielberg hailed him as one of the “most charismatic people I’d ever met”. Mesmerized by his personality, the filmmaker mentioned how he wanted Liam Neeson to model his performance on Ross. “I had always imagined, as I was developing Schindler’s List over the next 10 years, that if Steve Ross was an actor, he’d play Schindler,” Spielberg stated. Therefore, the director urged Neeson to take his character inspiration from Steve Ross.
“When I cast Liam, I said, ‘Liam, I want to show you videos I’ve taken of Steve. Look at the way he walks, look at the way he holds the room, look at how at ease he makes people who are intimidated at first sight — a minute later, they’re relaxed in his presence.’ And the first thing I did was pad Liam’s shoulders, so he could have Steve’s shoulders.” Spielberg shared.
“I started getting a little bit confused because I’d think, ‘Who am I playing here? Am I supposed to be playing Steve Ross or Oskar Schindler?’ Because I was also watching a couple of documentaries on Schindler. But the videos did help, I must admit.” Neeson discussed.
Admitting how he initially struggled with his character inspiration, Liam Neeson later mentioned finding the videos of Steve Ross helpful. So the next time you watch Schindler’s List, know that Oskar Schindler’s personality was nothing like that, instead the character was a depiction of Spielberg’s good friend Ross.
Schindler’s List is available on Prime Video.
