Witness - Close Study of Text

571 Words3 Pages
Throughout different cultures there are a range of different values and perspectives between communities, which can be identified when two cultures interlope with each other. Witness, directed by Peter Weir, presents a number of themes that are based around the contrasting aspects between two conflicting cultures; the Amish and the ‘English. These themes include clash of two cultures, forbidden love and conformity versus non-conformity. These are presented effectively with a variety of film techniques, within two specific scenes in the film, ‘the barn raising scene’ and ‘the barn dancing scene’. Peter Weir has managed to explore the conflicting values between two cultures through the distinction of John Book, a member of the English society, throughout the barn raising scene. The use of colour distinguishes John Book from the rest of the Amish, as he is part of the minority group wearing the ‘white’ shirt. The colour white symbolizes John’s newness to the concept of raising a barn. The Amish are a united community who continually work together to achieve a goal, without separation. Book is briefly accepted by the Amish community during the barn raising scene and is the only time within the film that he is the same as the Amish men. The law angle shot of the Amish men passing the saw to Book signifies the cooperation among the men, regardless of their culture. The existence of the uplifting music without any dialogue highlights the unionism between the Amish and John Book. However, at the end of the day, the fact that Book couldn’t participate in the chanting of the victorious song with the Amish men implies that ultimately he does not fit in. Also, in this scene Books gaze at the barn as it is being built exemplifies a new experience that Book has never witnessed in the English world. Throughout this scene the uplifting non-diegetic music used to portray the
Open Document