English essay sample- Help

English essay sample- Help

  • Submitted By: ndimos
  • Date Submitted: 07/02/2014 5:23 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 972
  • Page: 4

he film witness, directed by Peter Weir is a film released in 19.. based on an Amish Community and a Police after an Amish boy witnesses the murder of a police officer. The film revolves around an Amish women name Rachel, her son, Samuel (witness) and an American policeman by the name of John Book. The film Witness, directed by Peter Weir examines the cultural differences between the Amish and the outside world using various film techniques including symbols, characterisation, setting, camera angles and diegetic and non-diegetic sounds to convey the significant cultural differences within the film. By the use of these techniques, the composer effectively depicts a story within the film examining the cultural differences between the two cultures. The themes depicted in the film include cultural dichotomy, innocence and isolation.
The contrast of the Amish and the outside world is thoroughly examined during the barn scene. The scene begins with Book’s car (symbolising the outside world) placed inside the Amish barn which demonstrates the contrast of both cultures through the use of visual paradox. It is obvious to the audience that the car doesn’t belong in the barn, as the Amish community fully rejects the use technology especially cars. The action of John Book repairing his car expresses his desire to leave the Amish culture. Book repairs the radio as well as parts of the car which illustrates that he is closer to his goal of escaping to the outside world. Diagetic sound coming from the radio shows the contrast in cultures further demonstrated by the chorus of the song which repeats “don’t know much about history”. This clarifies idea that both Rachel and John have a lack of understanding towards each other’s cultures, as they grew up and live in different worlds. Cultural dichotomy is projected as the camera angle utilised is a wide shot exposing the setting of the barn which incorporates the car. As John steps towards rachel in attempt to dance with her, she...

Similar Essays