In the film "the crucible" directed by Nicholas Hynter

The film explores the mystery of the handing over of conscience and he uses the Salem witch trials to address this problem and show why it is pointless that on let his or her name be used to hurt others. It shows that “those who weep for corruption” shall hang. The film opens with a group of girls gathered in the woods. Mysterious music is playing whist having laughter of the children’s escape from the restrictions. Throughout the film pathetic fallacy is used to show the darkness and evil.

The main individual and protagonist in the film is John Proctor who is accused of witchcraft and adultery. He is a man with strong will and a powerful status in Salem. ‘I will cut off my hand before I reach for you again’ is an example of his strong will. Given the chance to confess and be free, he chooses to rather hang than lose his name and reputation. ‘Because it is my name’, ‘I am not worth the feet of those who die.’  This shows his integrity and his decision to rather die in honor ‘I want my life’, ‘I will not give myself to vengeance’. John is against authority when the townspeople and judges accuse and reveal that proctor is an adulterer and associated with the devil. It is with Elizabeth’s lie; he is forced to confess if not hanged. An image that defines his individual character is when all the townspeople are on one side of the river and John is alone on the other.

The main authority is the judges who prosecute Proctor. The follow the rule that those who are accused are guilty and those who question the court are suspected of guilt. Reverend Hale tries to help Proctor “I believe this man, this girl is false.” It is the court that causes the hysteria in Salem, with the girls running to the river, creating a sense of chaos. When the trial was held with no village present, Hale focuses on Proctor. In that scene, john is holding mary and the girls eyes are averted in pretence of humility. Long silences are used to build tension. The camera moves slowly around her indicating her turmoil and conflict. The close up of Abigail shows her response and builds up the hysteria against Mary.