wittness
Witness
Director Peter Weir’s exploration of the central concerns of violence versus pacifism and the complexity of forming relationships are drawn together throughout the film Witness in the events which occur after the final shootout. Weir successfully brings together the central concerns to convey the conflicting nature of the two worlds, emphasising to the audience that although bonds are formed, the two worlds can never be brought together. The central concerns are reinforced through Weir’s use of distinctive filmic techniques which engage the audience and make them review their opinions about the society in which we live.
The complexity of forming relationships between cultures due to the different ideological beliefs and morals is explored by Weir in his film Witness. This is portrayed through the relationship between Book and Rachel. We see Book and Rachel’s desires for one another become clear in the barn dancing scene. The diegetic sound of the music sets the romantic mood and emphasises the sexual tension being portrayed between Book and Rachel. This shows their true desires for each other. The music creates romance and shows that aspects of the modern world are encroaching on the Amish world. The long intimate stares into each other’s eyes shown through quick cuts before dancing and the use of two shot whilst dancing creates the sexual tension between Book and Rachel. When Book and Rachel dance, Rachel is not wearing her traditional bonnet, which is symbolic of her desire for Book which is against the rules of the Amish people. Initially, the audience accepts the developing romantic relationship as it reflects our westernised values. However, when Eli enters the room the mood changes and the ideological dichotomy is reinforced. Eli speaks firmly to Rachel in German warning she not to “bring shame” to her community which breaks the westernised feel to the setting. Although Book and Rachel’s behaviour seemed natural to the audience due to our
Director Peter Weir’s exploration of the central concerns of violence versus pacifism and the complexity of forming relationships are drawn together throughout the film Witness in the events which occur after the final shootout. Weir successfully brings together the central concerns to convey the conflicting nature of the two worlds, emphasising to the audience that although bonds are formed, the two worlds can never be brought together. The central concerns are reinforced through Weir’s use of distinctive filmic techniques which engage the audience and make them review their opinions about the society in which we live.
The complexity of forming relationships between cultures due to the different ideological beliefs and morals is explored by Weir in his film Witness. This is portrayed through the relationship between Book and Rachel. We see Book and Rachel’s desires for one another become clear in the barn dancing scene. The diegetic sound of the music sets the romantic mood and emphasises the sexual tension being portrayed between Book and Rachel. This shows their true desires for each other. The music creates romance and shows that aspects of the modern world are encroaching on the Amish world. The long intimate stares into each other’s eyes shown through quick cuts before dancing and the use of two shot whilst dancing creates the sexual tension between Book and Rachel. When Book and Rachel dance, Rachel is not wearing her traditional bonnet, which is symbolic of her desire for Book which is against the rules of the Amish people. Initially, the audience accepts the developing romantic relationship as it reflects our westernised values. However, when Eli enters the room the mood changes and the ideological dichotomy is reinforced. Eli speaks firmly to Rachel in German warning she not to “bring shame” to her community which breaks the westernised feel to the setting. Although Book and Rachel’s behaviour seemed natural to the audience due to our