Mod B
Peter Weir – Witness
Context
A young Amish boy being a sole witness to a murder, policeman John Book goes into hiding in an Amish community to protect the boy until trial. Whilst hiding, he develops an understanding of the Amish culture and forms a relationship with the community.
Themes
1. Acceptance of Violence in Western Society [Technology influencing the acceptance of Violence in society] 2. Good and Evil [When there is good, there is evil] 3. Identity and Belonging [Demographic characteristics determine where individuals belong] 4. Dichotomy [Clash and distinction between Western and Amish culture] 5. Pacifism [Amish advocating peace and non-violence]
Topic Sentences
* Technology heavily influences violence in society. * Good and Evil are two contrasting ideas which do not have a definite meaning. * Understanding different cultural beliefs brings individuals closer.
Evidence/Effect
1. Violence and Pacifism – Samuel witnesses a murder in the toilet [Western society]. The close up shot of Samuels face indicates his fear. Also, the keyhole point of view shot minimises the amount the audience can view, thus emphasising how gruesome violence is in action. Therefore, Weir uses these camera placements to reinforce his point that violence is not entertaining, but an unethical and unnecessary act. In addition, Weir also uses score to create tension, allowing the audience to develop a possible feeling when placed in the position of Samuel. On the other hand, Weir contrasted Western society with the Amish community, as they are reflected as pacifists. This can be reflected in the ‘ice cream’ scene, where the tourist challenges Daniels advocacy of pacifism. Following this is the statement in which Eli made to Book, ‘It’s not our way Book’. This allowed Weir to reinforce his main idea of violence being heavily influenced by the availability of technology.
2. Good and Evil – Weir uses Johns character as a
Context
A young Amish boy being a sole witness to a murder, policeman John Book goes into hiding in an Amish community to protect the boy until trial. Whilst hiding, he develops an understanding of the Amish culture and forms a relationship with the community.
Themes
1. Acceptance of Violence in Western Society [Technology influencing the acceptance of Violence in society] 2. Good and Evil [When there is good, there is evil] 3. Identity and Belonging [Demographic characteristics determine where individuals belong] 4. Dichotomy [Clash and distinction between Western and Amish culture] 5. Pacifism [Amish advocating peace and non-violence]
Topic Sentences
* Technology heavily influences violence in society. * Good and Evil are two contrasting ideas which do not have a definite meaning. * Understanding different cultural beliefs brings individuals closer.
Evidence/Effect
1. Violence and Pacifism – Samuel witnesses a murder in the toilet [Western society]. The close up shot of Samuels face indicates his fear. Also, the keyhole point of view shot minimises the amount the audience can view, thus emphasising how gruesome violence is in action. Therefore, Weir uses these camera placements to reinforce his point that violence is not entertaining, but an unethical and unnecessary act. In addition, Weir also uses score to create tension, allowing the audience to develop a possible feeling when placed in the position of Samuel. On the other hand, Weir contrasted Western society with the Amish community, as they are reflected as pacifists. This can be reflected in the ‘ice cream’ scene, where the tourist challenges Daniels advocacy of pacifism. Following this is the statement in which Eli made to Book, ‘It’s not our way Book’. This allowed Weir to reinforce his main idea of violence being heavily influenced by the availability of technology.
2. Good and Evil – Weir uses Johns character as a