The haunting true story of survival, betrayal, and the unbreakable spirit of a pianist during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw.
Watch the original version of The Pianist
Prologue:
The unmistakable sound of a piano echoed through the streets of Warsaw. It was a sound that had once filled concert halls and enraptured audiences, but now it was a sound of defiance. Władysław Szpilman sat at the piano, his fingers moving over the keys in a fluid motion. He was playing for his life, playing to survive.
The war had come to Poland, and with it, the German occupation. Władysław was a Jew, and like so many others, he was forced into the Warsaw Ghetto. It was a horrific existence, packed into an area with limited resources and constant danger. But Władysław found a way to survive – through his music.
He played wherever he could, finding jobs at cafes and restaurants. The music was a balm for his soul, a way to escape the misery around him. But it was also a way to resist, to show the Nazis that they could not take everything from him.
The piano became his refuge, his sanctuary. And it was that piano that would ultimately help him survive the unimaginable horrors of the war.
Chapter 1: Life Before the War
Władysław Szpilman had always known he was destined to be a musician. As a child, he had shown an aptitude for music that surpassed his peers. His family recognized his talent, and they encouraged him to pursue his passion.
By the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in concerts across Poland. He was a rising star in the classical music world, and his future looked bright.
But that future was shattered when Germany invaded Poland in 1939. The Szpilman family was Jewish, and they were quickly targeted by the Nazis. They were forced to pack up their lives and move into the Warsaw Ghetto.
Life in the ghetto was a far cry from the comfortable existence they had known before the war. The Szpilmans were packed into a small apartment with other families, with little access to food or clean water. Disease was rampant, and the constant threat of violence hung over them like a dark cloud.
But despite the horrors around them, Władysław refused to give up his music. He found work playing at a café in the ghetto, and the music was a small sliver of light in an otherwise bleak existence.
Playing at the café also gave him a chance to connect with others in the ghetto. He met a woman named Halina, who would become a source of comfort and support to him. They would often talk about their shared love of music, and Halina would encourage him to keep playing.
But as the war raged on, life in the ghetto became more and more dangerous. The Nazis began deporting Jews to concentration camps, and the Szpilman family knew it was only a matter of time before they were selected.
Władysław’s father managed to secure false papers for his son, hoping that it would allow him to escape deportation. But Władysław refused to leave his family behind. He stayed behind, watching as his parents and siblings were taken away.
And so, Władysław found himself alone in the ghetto, playing his music as a way to survive. He knew that the music might not save him, but it was the only thing that made life in the ghetto bearable.
As Władysław sat at the piano, he thought about his family. He didn’t know if he would ever see them again, but he refused to give up hope. He played with all the passion and skill he possessed, determined to survive the war and find his way back to music.
Chapter 2: The Ghetto
Władysław Szpilman and his family are forced to move into the Warsaw Ghetto, along with countless other Jews. The Ghetto is a place of abject misery and suffering, as the Germans attempt to starve out the population in order to make it easier to round them up for transport to concentration camps. Despite the terrible conditions, Władysław manages to find work playing music in a café.
The café is a small oasis of calm in the midst of the chaos of the Ghetto. Władysław plays his piano, bringing a small measure of joy to those who gather to listen. He plays everything from classical music to jazz, and the patrons eagerly request their favorite songs. Even in the midst of such suffering, there is still a love of music and a desire to be entertained.
But life in the Ghetto is anything but easy. Władysław and his family live in a small, cramped apartment, with scarce food and water. Disease is rampant, as people are forced to live in close quarters without proper sanitation. The streets are filled with filth and garbage, as there is no way to dispose of waste.
As time goes on, conditions in the Ghetto continue to deteriorate. More and more people die of hunger and disease, and the Germans increase their efforts to round up Jews for transport to concentration camps. Władysław watches as his friends and neighbors are taken away, never to be seen again.
But even in the midst of such terrible circumstances, Władysław finds solace in his music. He sees how much joy it brings to those who gather to listen, and he knows that it is something he can do to make a difference. He plays from the depths of his soul, pouring his emotions into the notes, and he feels that even for a brief moment, he can make the world a little better.
Władysław’s music also attracts the attention of the café owner, who starts to pay him more money for his performances. This extra income means that he can buy a few extra scraps of food for his family, which helps them to survive a little longer in the Ghetto.
As time wears on, the situation in the Ghetto becomes more and more desperate. People are dying at an alarming rate, and the Germans are becoming more and more aggressive in their attempts to round up Jews for transport. Władysław knows that it is only a matter of time before his family is taken away, but he continues to play his piano, bringing a small measure of joy to those around him.
One day, as he is playing in the café, he sees a group of German soldiers come in. His heart sinks, as he knows that they are likely looking for Jews to round up. But to his surprise, they simply order some drinks and listen to his music. They even give him a small tip before leaving. Władysław can’t understand why they would be moved by his music when they are engaged in such terrible acts of cruelty and oppression. But he also knows that he cannot question it too much – after all, it is his music that has allowed him to survive this long in the Ghetto.
As the chapter comes to a close, Władysław reflects on the power of music to sustain him, even in the midst of such horrors. He knows that it is something that cannot be taken away from him, no matter what the Germans may do. And in that moment, he feels a glimmer of hope, knowing that as long as he has his music, he can endure whatever comes his way.
Chapter 3: Deportation
The air was thick with fear and anxiety as the Nazis began deporting Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto. They were loaded onto trains with no knowledge of where they were going or what would happen to them. Władysław Szpilman’s family was among those selected, but he managed to escape deportation and stay behind. As he watched his family being dragged away, he felt a sense of helplessness and despair.
Władysław knew that he was now alone in a world that was becoming increasingly hostile towards Jews. He did not know how long he would be able to survive in the ghetto, but he was determined to try. He began to take on odd jobs and work as a laborer, doing whatever it took to stay alive.
The conditions in the ghetto were horrific. Disease and starvation were rampant, and the Nazis showed no mercy towards the Jews. Władysław witnessed countless acts of brutality and violence, and he knew that he too could be a victim at any moment.
Despite the danger, Władysław continued to play piano at a café in the ghetto. It was one of the few things that brought him joy and gave him a sense of purpose. The café was a reprieve from the horrors outside, and he cherished the moments when he could escape into his music.
But even the café could not shield Władysław from the reality of the situation. He knew that he was living on borrowed time, and that eventually the Nazis would come for him too. He began to think about his options, wondering if there was any way he could escape the ghetto and find safety.
One day, Władysław received a message from a friend who was part of the resistance. The friend told him that there was a way out of the ghetto, but it would be dangerous and he would need to be very careful. Władysław knew that he had to take the chance, despite the risks.
He made his preparations carefully, gathering what he could and saying goodbye to the few friends he had left. Then, in the dead of night, he slipped out of the ghetto and into the darkness beyond.
The journey was long and treacherous. Władysław had to avoid Nazi patrols and navigate his way through unfamiliar territory. He was exhausted and afraid, but he knew that he had to keep going.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Władysław reached his destination. He had made it out of the ghetto and into the relative safety of the city beyond. But he knew that his life would never be the same.
He was alone in a world that was still at war. He had no family, no home, no identity. But he was alive, and that was enough for now. He would find a way to survive, no matter what it took.
Chapter 4: Survival
Władysław Szpilman could hardly recognize the city he once called home. The streets were empty and lifeless, the buildings reduced to rubble. The Warsaw Ghetto had been emptied of its inhabitants, and those who still remained were either hiding or working as forced laborers.
Władysław had managed to escape deportation, but his family was not so lucky. He was alone, facing constant danger and struggling to survive. He took on odd jobs, working as a laborer in factories and construction sites. He did whatever it took to keep himself alive.
The conditions were brutal. Forced to live in hiding, he survived on scraps of food, always hungry and weak. Disease was rampant, and he saw people dying around him every day.
Despite the constant danger, Władysław refused to give up. He knew that the only way to survive was to keep moving, keep working, keep finding ways to stay hidden. Every day was a struggle, but he persevered.
One day, as he was scavenging for food, he stumbled upon a group of other survivors. They had been living in hiding for months, and they welcomed him into their small community. They shared what little they had and helped each other survive.
Władysław found comfort in their company. For the first time since the war had started, he had people to talk to, people who understood what he was going through. They shared stories of their lives before the war, of their families and their dreams.
But even in this small community, danger was always lurking. They had to be careful not to draw attention to themselves, to make sure they were not discovered by the Nazis. They lived in constant fear, always on the lookout for any sign of danger.
Despite this, Władysław felt a sense of hope for the first time in a long time. He had found a group of people who were determined to survive, who were willing to fight for their lives. He knew that he was not alone, that there were others out there like him.
But as the war raged on, their small community was constantly under threat. The Nazis were getting closer, and they knew that it was only a matter of time before they were discovered.
And then, one day, it happened. The Nazis raided their hiding place, and Władysław and the others were forced to flee. They scattered, running in different directions, trying to escape.
Władysław ran as fast as he could, but he could hear the Nazis closing in on him. He knew that this might be the end. But then, suddenly, he saw a small opening in the rubble of a building. Without thinking, he squeezed himself through the opening and found himself in a small hiding place.
He waited there, his heart pounding, as the Nazis searched for him. But they could not find him. Somehow, by some miracle, he had managed to survive once again.
Władysław emerged from his hiding place, shaken but alive. He knew that he had to keep moving, keep fighting, keep surviving. He knew that he could not give up, no matter what. The war had taken everything from him, but it had not taken his will to survive.
Chapter 5: Hiding in the Ruins
Władysław sat hunched in the corner of the rubble-strewn room, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. The sun had long set, and the air outside was thick with the sounds of the Nazi occupation: the creak of boots on the cobblestones, the hiss of gunfire in the distance. But in here, the ruins of what had once been a grand apartment building, all was quiet. Too quiet.
Władysław had been hiding in this place for weeks now, ever since he had been forced to flee from the ghetto. He shared the space with a handful of others, a mix of Jews and gentiles who had all found themselves caught up in the terror of war. They had cobbled together a makeshift home for themselves, using whatever scraps of wood and cloth they could find.
Władysław’s stomach growled, a dull pain that reminded him just how little food they had left. They had been living on rationed scraps of bread and water for days now, relying on their wits to keep them alive.
He heard a rustling in the darkness, and his heart leapt into his throat. But it was only Sarah, one of the others who had been sharing their hiding spot. She had gone out to scavenge for food, and now she was back, clutching a dirty bag filled with whatever she had been able to find.
“Look what I’ve got,” she said, her voice a low whisper. She dumped the bag onto the floor, revealing a few moldy potatoes, a chunk of stale bread, and a couple of carrots. It wasn’t much, but it would keep them going for a little while longer.
Władysław reached out and grabbed a potato, biting into it eagerly. It was tough and hard to chew, but it filled his empty stomach. The others gathered around, each grabbing their share of the sparse meal.
As they ate, they talked quietly, their voices barely above a whisper. They shared stories of their lives before the war, of the families they had lost, of the homes they had left behind. Władysław listened intently, grateful for the company and the distraction from the harsh reality of their situation.
But as they talked, a feeling of unease settled over him. He couldn’t shake the sense that they were being watched, that someone had followed Sarah back to their hiding place. He glanced around nervously, searching for any sign of danger.
Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the door. The group froze, their eyes locking onto the entrance.
“Open up!” a rough voice barked in German.
Władysław’s heart raced as he scrambled to his feet, his mind racing with fear. They had been discovered. They were all going to die.
But then, just as suddenly, the banging stopped. They heard the sound of boots retreating down the hallway, and then all was quiet once more.
Władysław sank back down onto the floor, his breath coming in ragged gasps. They had made it through another close call, but he knew it was only a matter of time before they were discovered.
As he lay there, trying to will his pounding heart to slow down, he thought of the piano he had left behind in the café. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had played for audiences, that he had felt the joy of creating something beautiful.
But now, in the midst of the war, he wondered if music would ever be a part of his life again. Could he ever return to a world where such beauty existed? Or was he doomed to live in fear and darkness for the rest of his days?
He didn’t know the answer. All he knew was that for now, he had to keep hiding, keep surviving, and keep hoping for a brighter tomorrow.
Chapter 6: Close Calls
Władysław had grown accustomed to the dangers of living in hiding, but every day felt like a new challenge. He woke up each morning with a knot in his stomach, wondering if this would be the day the Nazis would find him.
Despite the risks, he had to leave his hiding spot to scavenge for food and supplies. It was a treacherous journey, navigating through the rubble of Warsaw with the constant fear of being caught. One false move could mean the difference between life and death.
One day, as he was creeping through an alleyway, he heard footsteps approaching. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to stay still and quiet. The footsteps grew louder and Władysław could hear voices speaking in German. He knew then that he had to act fast.
He ducked behind a pile of rubble, trying to make himself as small as possible. His heart was racing as he heard the voices approaching. Suddenly, one of the Nazis stopped right in front of his hiding spot. Władysław held his breath, praying that he wouldn’t be noticed.
The Nazi kicked at the rubble with his boot, but luckily, it didn’t move. He muttered something in German to his companion before they both walked away. Władysław waited for several minutes, making sure they were truly gone before emerging from his hiding spot.
He was shaking, his hands clammy and his heart pounding. He knew he had just narrowly escaped being caught, and the thought sent shivers down his spine.
But he had to keep going. There were still more supplies to find, and he knew he couldn’t afford to let his guard down. He traveled through the city, always on the lookout for danger.
Another day, he was walking near a bombed-out building when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned around to see two Nazis approaching. He didn’t have time to run, so he ducked behind a nearby wall.
The Nazis walked right past him, their eyes scanning the area. Władysław could feel their breath on his neck, but he dared not move a muscle. He waited until they were out of sight before continuing on his way.
These close calls were becoming more frequent, and Władysław knew his luck couldn’t hold out forever. He was constantly on edge, his nerves frayed from the stress of living day by day in constant fear of being discovered.
One evening, as he was returning from a successful scavenging trip, he heard a commotion in the distance. He couldn’t quite make out what was happening, but he knew it wasn’t good.
He followed the sound, his heart pounding in his chest. As he approached, he saw a group of Nazis rounding up several Jews. They were being loaded onto trucks and taken away, likely to a concentration camp.
Władysław watched from a safe distance, his heart breaking at the sight. He knew that he was lucky to have survived this long, but he also knew that for many, the end was near.
He stayed hidden until the Nazis had left, then made his way back to his hiding spot. He sat down, his mind reeling with thoughts of what he had just witnessed. He knew that the war was far from over, and that every day was a struggle for survival.
But he also knew that he couldn’t give up. He had to keep going, keep fighting for his own survival and for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. The war had taken so much from him already, but he refused to let it take his spirit.
As he settled in for the night, he played a few notes on his piano, the sound of the music filling the empty space around him. It was a reminder of the beauty in the world, and the hope that one day, the war would be over and he could once again play music for a living.
Chapter 7: Betrayal
The sound of footsteps echoing through the empty street made Władysław’s heart race. He knew he shouldn’t have left his hiding place, but hunger had driven him to take the risk. He clutched a bag of stolen bread to his chest and tried to move faster, but his legs were weak from weeks of surviving on meager scraps.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed him from behind. Władysław struggled, but he was no match for the Nazi soldier who had caught him. He was thrown into a truck with other Jews who had been caught, and they were driven to a concentration camp.
As they arrived at the camp, Władysław felt a wave of despair wash over him. The smell of death hung in the air, and he could hear the cries of those who had already been imprisoned. He was stripped of his belongings and forced to wear a uniform with a number stitched onto it.
Days turned into weeks, and Władysław struggled to survive in the harsh conditions of the camp. He was given little food, and the work was exhausting. But he refused to lose hope, clinging to the memory of his music and the love of his family.
One day, he was called to the commandant’s office. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he feared the worst. But to his surprise, the commandant spoke to him in Polish.
“Władysław Szpilman,” he said. “You are a pianist, yes?”
Władysław nodded, unsure of what was happening.
“I have a proposition for you,” the commandant continued. “I have a piano in my office, and I would like you to play for me.”
Władysław couldn’t believe his ears. Was this a trap? He had heard stories of the Nazis playing cruel tricks on prisoners. But he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play music again. He followed the commandant to his office and was led to a grand piano.
He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to begin. But as he touched the keys, the music flowed out of him. He played with all the emotion he had bottled up inside, pouring it out into the music. The commandant listened, seeming moved by the performance.
After he finished playing, the commandant spoke again.
“You are a talented musician,” he said. “I am pleased with your performance. I will allow you to continue playing for me, and in exchange, I will give you extra rations and better living conditions.”
It sounded too good to be true, but Władysław knew he had no other choice. He agreed to the deal and was taken to a room with a piano. He played every day, his fingers dancing across the keys as he lost himself in the music.
But he couldn’t escape from the reality of his situation. The other prisoners resented him, seeing him as a privileged favorite of the commandant. And Władysław couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was betraying his fellow Jews by playing for the enemy.
Still, he continued to play, trying to hold onto his love of music even as everything else crumbled around him. But one day, the commandant didn’t show up for Władysław’s performance. Instead, he was taken away by Nazi guards.
He was thrown into a dark room and beaten until he could barely move. It was clear that he had been betrayed, and he was filled with a sense of despair. But he refused to give up. He clung to the thought of his family and the hope that he would one day be free.
As the war came to an end, Władysław was finally liberated from the camp. He was weak and traumatized, but he was alive. He struggled to come to terms with all that had happened and tried to find a way forward. But the memory of his betrayal continued to haunt him, a painful reminder of the horrors of war.
Chapter 8: Liberation
Władysław Szpilman struggles to maintain his will to survive as the concentration camp takes its toll on his body and mind. Every day is a struggle, and he is haunted by the memories of his life before the war, his family, and the friends he lost along the way.
As the war comes to an end, Władysław is among the many prisoners who are finally liberated from the concentration camp. He emerges weak, traumatized, and disoriented, unsure of what the future holds.
At first, the newly liberated prisoners are left to fend for themselves, with no clear direction or support. But as time passes, they are slowly taken in by various aid organizations, including the Red Cross. Władysław is eventually transferred to a hospital where he receives medical treatment for his many ailments.
In the hospital, Władysław struggles to come to terms with all that has happened to him. He is haunted by memories of the concentration camp, nightmares of the brutality he witnessed and endured. The sound of music no longer brings him solace but instead triggers painful memories of his lost family.
As he begins to recover physically, Władysław finds himself drawn to other survivors, many of whom are also struggling to come to grips with the horrors they have experienced. He meets a woman named Anna, who lost her entire family in the war. They bond over their shared experiences and slowly begin to form a tentative relationship.
But as Władysław tries to rebuild his life, he finds that the scars of the war run deep. He struggles to come to terms with all that he has lost and the trauma he has endured. He is plagued by guilt over his survival when so many others did not make it through.
As he tries to process his emotions, Władysław also faces the difficult task of rebuilding his city. Warsaw is in ruins, and there is a desperate need for resources, housing, and infrastructure. Władysław is determined to help in any way he can, and he begins to volunteer with various relief organizations.
Despite his efforts, Władysław still feels lost and adrift, struggling to find a sense of purpose in the wake of so much devastation. He finds solace in music, but even that is painful, reminding him of all that he has lost.
As he continues to rebuild his life, Władysław realizes that he must find a way to move forward while still honoring the memory of those who did not make it through the war. He vows to never forget the atrocities he witnessed and to work towards ensuring that such horrors are never repeated.
In the end, Władysław emerges from the war a changed man, forever scarred by his experiences, but determined to use his music and his newfound sense of purpose to create a better world. Despite the many challenges he faces, he remains hopeful that he can help make a difference, one small step at a time.
Chapter 9: Rebuilding
Władysław Szpilman returned to Warsaw in the fall of 1945, a changed man. He had survived the horrors of the war, but at what cost? All he had ever known had been destroyed, and the future was uncertain.
The city was in ruins. The streets were lined with rubble and buildings lay in piles of bricks and debris. The scale of destruction was overwhelming, and Władysław wondered how it would ever be possible to rebuild.
He began to roam the city, trying to find his bearings. Everything was different now. The café where he had played had been destroyed, as had the building where his family had lived. There was nothing left but memories.
Slowly, Władysław started to rebuild his life. He found a small apartment on the outskirts of the city and began to work odd jobs to make ends meet. But he struggled to find a sense of purpose.
One day, as he was walking through the ruins of the city, he heard the strains of music. It was coming from a makeshift stage set up in the street. A group of musicians had gathered, and they were playing songs from before the war.
Władysław felt his heart stir. He hadn’t played the piano since before the war, but he knew he had to join in. He made his way to the stage and sat down at the piano. As his fingers touched the keys, memories flooded back. He played a song he had written before the war, and the crowd cheered.
From that moment on, Władysław knew music was the key to his survival. He began to play in cafes and bars around the city, and people came from all over to hear him play. His music sustained him and gave him a sense of purpose.
As he played, Władysław began to realize the power of music to heal. People who had lost everything could find solace in his music, and it gave them hope. He started to see how music could be used to rebuild the city, to bring people together and create a sense of community.
Władysław became involved in efforts to rebuild the city. He joined a group of musicians who were organizing concerts to raise money for the rebuilding effort. They played in the ruins of buildings, in parks, and in makeshift concert halls.
As the city slowly began to rebuild, Władysław found a sense of purpose in his music. He played at schools and hospitals, bringing joy to those who had endured so much. He formed a band with other musicians and they played at weddings and parties, helping people to celebrate life again.
But there were still struggles. The memories of the war lingered, and Władysław struggled with bouts of depression. He wondered if he would ever truly be able to move on from the trauma of his past.
One day, as he was playing in a concert hall in the city, he looked out at the audience and saw people of all backgrounds, religions, and nationalities coming together to enjoy music. He realized that music had the power to bring people together in a way that nothing else could.
From that moment on, Władysław knew what his mission was. He would use his music to build bridges, to bring people together, and to help them heal from the trauma of the war. He would never forget what he had gone through, but he would use his experiences to make the world a better place.
As he sat down at the piano to play the final song of the evening, Władysław thought about all that he had been through. He thought about his family, his friends, and all those who had lost their lives in the war. But he also thought about the power of music, and how it had sustained him when everything else had been destroyed.
As he played, the audience listened in rapt attention. There was a sense of peace in the room, a sense that perhaps, just perhaps, things would be all right. And for Władysław Szpilman, that was enough.
Chapter 10: Reflections
Władysław Szpilman sat at his piano, fingers poised over the keys. It had been years since he had played, but his love for music had not diminished. He took a deep breath and began to play.
The notes flowed from his fingers, filling the room with a haunting melody. As he played, memories flooded back to him—memories of the war, of the ghetto, and of his time in hiding.
He remembered the fear and desperation he had felt, the hunger and cold that had never left him. But he also remembered the moments of joy and camaraderie he had found with others in hiding, the moments of beauty in the midst of so much ugliness.
And he remembered the power of music to sustain him. Even in his darkest moments, he had always had his music, and it had given him hope and comfort.
As he played, Władysław felt a sense of peace settle over him. He had survived the war, and now he had a chance to rebuild his life. It would never be the same as it had been before, but he was determined to make the best of it.
But as he finished playing, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt. Why had he survived when so many others had not? What made him so special?
He knew there was no easy answer to that question. Luck had played a role, certainly. But he also knew that there was something inside him that had kept him going, something that had given him the strength to endure.
As he thought about it, he realized that it was his music that had saved him. It had given him a purpose, a reason to keep living. And he knew that he had to use that gift to honor those who had not survived.
So he began to play again, a new melody that he had been working on for some time. It was a tribute to all those who had suffered and died in the war, a reminder that their lives had not been in vain.
As he played, the music grew more intense, more powerful. The notes seemed to take on a life of their own, carrying with them the pain and the hope of all those who had lived through the war.
And then, in a final burst of sound, the music came to an end. Władysław sat there for a moment, catching his breath. He knew that he could never forget what he had been through, but he also knew that he had to move forward.
As he stood up from the piano, he looked out the window at the city beyond. It was still scarred by the war, but there were signs of life returning. People were rebuilding, starting anew.
Władysław knew that he would never forget the horrors of the war, but he also knew that he had a new purpose now. He would use his music to heal, to remember, to honor.
And with that, he took his first steps into a new life, one that would always be shaped by the memories of the past, but also by the hope for a better future.
Some scenes from the movie The Pianist written by A.I.
Scene 1
Opening scene:
FADE IN:
EXT. WARSAW, 1939 – DAY
Władysław Szpilman, a young and handsome pianist, walks through the bustling streets of Warsaw. People rush past him, busy with their daily lives. He wears a black suit and a bowtie, and carries his violin case in one hand.
CUT TO:
INT. MUSIC HALL – DAY
A group of musicians, including Władysław, get ready for their performance. Władysław focuses on his sheet music, ensuring he hits every note perfectly.
CUT TO:
INT. SŁOWACKI CAFÉ – DAY
Władysław plays the grand piano in front of the audience, his fingers moving effortlessly on the keys. The crowd applauds as he finishes the piece.
CUT TO:
INT. WŁADYSŁAW’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Władysław sits at his grand piano, playing a romantic tune. His mother walks in, smiling at him.
MOTHER
(proudly)
You have such a gift, my son.
WŁADYSŁAW
(smiling)
Thank you, mother.
MOTHER
(worriedly)
But I’m afraid for you, Władysław. With the war starting, who knows what will happen.
Władysław looks out of the window, watching as planes fly overhead.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. WARSAW GHETTO – DAY
We see an overhead shot of the Warsaw ghetto, the buildings are rundown and crowded, there are people everywhere, moving around like ants.
CUT TO:
INT. CAFÉ – DAY
Władysław Szpilman, a handsome and talented pianist in his mid-20s, sits at a piano playing an upbeat tune. The café is located in the heart of the ghetto, and people are crowded around, listening and tapping their feet to the music.
Władysław finishes the piece and stands up, wiping the sweat from his brow.
WAITRESS
(smiling)
Another great performance, Szpilman.
Władysław nods in acknowledgement.
WAITRESS
(uncomfortable)
Listen, Szpilman…I heard rumors that they’re planning to deport more people from the ghetto.
Władysław’s expression changes, fear is evident on his face.
WŁADYSŁAW
(nervously)
When is it supposed to happen?
WAITRESS
(shrugging)
I don’t know, but you should be careful.
Władysław nods and gathers his things, heading out of the café.
CUT TO:
EXT. GHETTO STREET – DAY
Władysław walks quickly down the street, looking over his shoulder every few seconds. He senses the danger around him and knows he needs to be careful.
CUT TO:
INT. WŁADYSŁAW’S APARTMENT – DAY
Władysław enters the apartment, closing the door behind him. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. Suddenly, there’s a bang on the door.
NATASHA (O.S.)
(banging door)
Władysław! Open up! It’s me, Natasha!
Władysław rushes to the door and opens it, revealing a beautiful woman in her early 20s, NATASHA.
NATASHA
(worried)
I heard about the deportations…are you okay?
Władysław nods, but the fear is still evident in his eyes.
NATASHA
(sympathetically)
I know it’s hard, but we have to keep going. We have to keep fighting.
Władysław nods, taking her words to heart.
CUT TO:
EXT. GHETTO STREET – DAY
Władysław and Natasha walk down the street together, talking quietly.
WŁADYSŁAW
(resigned)
I don’t know how much longer we can keep going like this.
NATASHA
(determined)
We have each other. We have music. We can’t give up.
Władysław nods, feeling a renewed sense of hope.
CUT TO:
EXT. WARSAW GHETTO – DAY
The camera pulls back, revealing the chaos and despair of the Warsaw ghetto.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
Genre: Drama/War
Logline: A talented pianist navigates through the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto during Nazi occupation, trying to survive and keep his love for music alive.
Characters:
– Władysław Szpilman, a talented pianist
– Halina, Władysław’s sister
– Jurek, Władysław’s brother
– Roman, a Jewish resistance fighter
– Nazi soldiers
Setting:
1942, Warsaw Ghetto, Poland.
Scene 3: Deportation
INT. SZPILMAN’S APARTMENT – DAY
Władysław frantically packs a small bag, stuffing it with clothes and supplies.
HALINA
(voice trembling)
Władek, what are we going to do? They’re taking us away.
Władysław tries to remain calm, but the fear in his eyes is evident.
WŁADYSŁAW
We have to stay strong. We’ll get through this.
Jurek enters the room, holding a small bag of his own.
JUREK
We’re ready.
The siblings embrace each other, tears streaming down their faces.
Suddenly, there’s banging on the door.
NAZI SOLDIER
Open up! We’re here to take you to the train station.
Władysław takes a deep breath and opens the door.
EXT. SZPILMAN’S APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
The Szpilman siblings, along with other Jews from the ghetto, are marched through the streets by Nazi soldiers. People are crying, screaming, and begging for mercy.
Władysław looks around in horror, trying to keep his emotions in check.
ROMAN
(whispering)
We can’t give up. We have to fight back.
Władysław nods, understanding the gravity of their situation.
They arrive at the train station and are herded onto a train with other Jews.
INT. TRAIN – DAY
The train is filled with people, most of whom are crying and traumatized. Władysław looks out the window, watching as the city of Warsaw disappears from view.
He knows he may never see it again.
Suddenly, the train comes to a screeching halt.
NAZI SOLDIER
(targets Władysław)
You, get off the train.
Władysław’s siblings try to hold onto him, but the soldiers pull them away.
WŁADYSŁAW
(terrified)
Please, don’t take them.
NAZI SOLDIER
(gruff)
You’re lucky to be alive. Get off the train and don’t look back.
Władysław reluctantly steps off the train as it pulls away, taking his family with it.
He watches in silence, knowing that his life will never be the same.
Fade to black.
Scene 4
Scene 4: Survival
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING – DAY
Władysław (30s), disheveled and thin, stands in a dark abandoned building. He is wearing torn clothes and his face shows signs of exhaustion. He looks out the window and sees a group of Nazi soldiers patrolling the area. He turns around and walks towards a small makeshift kitchen where he finds a pot of water boiling on a stove.
He takes a piece of bread from a small pile and dips it into the boiling water. He eats it slowly, savouring every bite. Suddenly, he hears a noise outside. He drops the bread and runs towards the window. The Nazi soldiers are getting closer.
Władysław quickly grabs his bag and runs towards a hole in the wall. He climbs through it and runs towards an old cellar. The soldiers are now chasing him.
Władysław hides behind a pile of rubble, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. The soldiers pass him, but he doesn’t dare to move. He waits until they are out of sight before coming out of hiding.
He walks towards a pile of debris, and starts digging through it. He finds a can of food and a few scraps of bread. He is relieved and happy, but then he hears another sound. This time, it’s a group of children crying.
Władysław follows the sound and finds a group of children hiding behind a pile of rubble. They are scared and hungry. Władysław takes out his can of food and divides it between them. He talks to them in a soothing voice and tries to comfort them.
Władysław: “Don’t worry, everything will be alright. We’ll get through this together.”
As he speaks, he notices a small piano in the corner of the room. He walks towards it and starts playing a soft melody. The children’s faces light up and they start clapping. For a moment, they forget their hunger and fear.
Władysław continues to play, lost in the music. His fingers dance over the keys, and the children start singing. The music echoes through the building, filling it with hope and promise, even in the darkest of times.
Scene 5
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING – DAY
Władysław and a small group of survivors huddle together in the dimly lit ruins of an abandoned building. Rats scurry across the floor and the walls are covered in graffiti.
Władysław, gaunt and dirty, looks around at the others.
Władysław:
We need to find more food. We can’t survive on scraps much longer.
The others nod in agreement.
Janusz:
I heard there might be an abandoned market a few streets over. Maybe we could find something there.
Władysław:
It’s worth a try. But we have to be careful.
The group sets out, moving cautiously through the rubble-strewn streets. They keep to the shadows, eyes darting nervously at every sound.
As they approach the market, they hear voices. Nazi soldiers.
Władysław:
We have to turn back. It’s too dangerous.
But Janusz is determined. He creeps closer to the market, peering through a gap in the wall.
Janusz:
I see crates of food. We could get enough to last us for weeks.
Władysław:
It’s not worth the risk.
But Janusz has already made up his mind. He slips through a gap in the wall and disappears into the market.
Władysław and the others wait anxiously, hearts pounding. Minutes feel like hours.
Suddenly, there’s a shout.
Nazi Soldier:
Halt! What are you doing here?
Władysław and the others freeze, fear gripping them.
Janusz:
(voice trembling)
I…I was just looking for food.
There’s a moment of tense silence.
Nazi Soldier:
You’re lucky we didn’t shoot you on sight. Get out of here, now.
Janusz emerges from the market, shaking with fear. The others hurry back to the safety of their hiding place.
Władysław:
(angrily)
You could have gotten us all killed!
Janusz:
(defensively)
We were running out of food. I had to do something.
Władysław:
(glaring)
Just be glad the soldiers didn’t follow you. You put us all in danger.
Janusz hangs his head in shame.
The group settles back into their hiding place, hungry and afraid. The sound of rats scurrying across the floor is the only noise.
