Witness capitalises on its techniques in this murder scene through the use of an extreme close up of Samuel Lapps eye, through the gap in the bathroom door, as he watch’s intently as the good cop is killed. This shows Samuels loss of innocence as he is exposed to the murder.
It also shows that it is from his perspective that the murder is being watched, as he is the only other person in the bathroom at the time.
The use of cuts between scenes is used as an essential technique from the moment Samuel walks into the bathroom. The first shots are long, calm, they have little movement and very little sound. As it gets closer and closer to the time of the murder, the scenes being to cut between each other faster use more movement and sound in slowly brought in.
At the time of the murder the scenes cut very quickly only waiting for a second or so before changing and the music is brought in to heighten tension.
Today’s society is one consisting of numerous variables, with communities like the Amish centred on the principle of serving God and others before themselves, where as the English are portrayed as self centred and the majority focus on the promotion of themselves.
Community is exemplified through the barn raising scene and expresses their Amish’s true principle of serving others before yourself. This is illustrated through the use of sequencing. We are constantly shown different elements of the community, for example the different roles of the men, women and children all working together towards the ultimate goal.
The men coordinate their efforts in order to establishing the barn; the women are taking care of the men’s needs whilst they build the barn, whilst also preparing lunch. Even the children are seen to be making an effort to help the community.
Through the use of a low angle long shot we can see the united effort of the men to the cause of helping their community members.
Isolation is shown though John Book as he seems to isolate himself from his surroundings.
It’s shown that he try’s to father his sisters children even though he lacks parenting skills and his best friend is his work partner Carter who’s soon killed by the evil Trio (Schaeffer, McFee, Fergie).
When book is immersed into the Amish community he begins to fathom some sense of community in the barn raising scene when he works in conjunction with the other men, and is seen being friendly with his “competition” Daniel. However he is again reminded at the end of the day that he is an outsider when the Amish begin to sing in German.
This scene allows the individual the chance to either relate to the pacifist selfless beliefs of the Amish or the self centred approach of the English
The conflict between the English and the Amish shows significant contrast in the way the two separate cultures deal with conflict. Eli says to book. “It happens some times, do nothing, it is not our way” and John Book replies with “but its my way”. This dialogue highlights the differences between the two clashing worlds and emphasises Book’s inability to change to the Amish ways.
Through the use of a long shot at the beginning of the scene it is shown that the Amish let the gang surround and taunt them as self defence is not regarded as part of their nature. The use of a close up shot between Book and Eli sitting in the horse and carriage with their shoulders touching shows they have personally become closer,
But deep down they still posses their individual morals, as Book proceeds to confront the tormentors. The use of a tracking shot depicts Books justifying nature as he proceeds to show his aggressiveness which is apart of his day to day world.
Violence is present in many factors of our society. Weather it is shown through the use of physical force or verbal abuse, it is present among all. And it is due to this fact that people can relate to this movie in some way or another. Weather it be through the violent nature of the English or the pacifist approach of the Amish.
John and Rachael’s relationship progressively develops throughout the movie, and is seen to be largely conveyed through the use of cinematography, as opposed to dialog. This is most evident in the scene set in the barn where John Book is trying to fix his car.
The music comes on and the camera focuses on the characters looking at each other as they express their emotions through the use of eye contact, facial expressions and non verbal conversations. The music used communicates the growing nature of their relationship.
The director uses close-ups on the pair’s faces, expressing the two’s ability to come at ease with each other. Dim lighting is also used in order to set the scene as the one where John and Rachel finally become comfortable with each others presence.
The two communities have contrasting idealisations when it comes to relationships. John is used to only having his sister to gain a sense of relationships, were he sees him self as the father of his sisters children, whereas Rachel has the whole Amish community.
This is shown through the mise-en-scene, the Amish character’s are always shown together and rarely alone, for example, the barn raising scene and travelling to town. Book on the other hand is more often then not individualised. This is noted specifically after the barn raising scene when the male Amish begin singing in German
This relationship is seen as appropriate for a modern day audience as most relationships within our society consist of elements of change and contrast.
