The making of Schindler's List serves as a clear example of how great cinema shapes even the most accomplished directors. Steven Spielberg, the man who defined Hollywood for decades, has openly acknowledged the influence of Soviet cinema on his work. Unlike many of his contemporaries, the American director actively watched Soviet films and drew inspiration from their dark, yet powerful dramas.
Come and See – A film that changes the perception of war
The war drama Come and See by Elem Klimov had such a profound impact on Spielberg that he credited it as one of the main reasons he decided to direct Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan.
Klimov depicted war not as a heroic battlefield (though he touched on that briefly) but as an unending nightmare that shatters lives and strips away humanity. The image of a teenager turning into an old man in just two days is one of the most powerful cinematic symbols in history. This is the very perspective Spielberg brought to his war dramas. Schindler's List was, in many ways, born from the pain and horror captured in Klimov's film, winning seven Academy Awards and grossing $321 million at the box office.
How Come and See Changed Cinema
This example proves that art knows no boundaries. Soviet films left a lasting mark on Hollywood. Without Come and See, Spielberg might never have tackled his most powerful war dramas. And Spielberg's work, in turn, inspired many other directors.
The Influence of Morozko
At first glance, what could a Hollywood blockbuster and a Soviet New Year’s fairy tale have in common? Yet, it was Alexander Rou's Morozko that struck Spielberg with its visual style. In interviews, he referred to Morozko as a precursor to many Hollywood films.
Remarkably, Soviet filmmakers and cinematographers managed to create a stunning fairy tale without digital technology—relying solely on optics, composite shots, and classic techniques. This fairy tale, however, also inspired Spielberg in the creation of his own films.
