Whitness Essay - 1284 Words

In the film Witness starring Harrison Ford, producer Peter Weir has created two different worlds with different value systems. He has done this through the use of juxta-positioning, camera angles set at different heights and the process of character development. In the Film, John Book played by Harrison Ford plays the parts of detective, protector, and refugee, all to solve the murder case of another Police Officer. The only witness to the murder is 7-year-old Samuel who is unofficially under Books protection against everyone from corrupt cops to the murderer. In the film Witness starring Harrison Ford, the producer, Peter Weir, has created two different worlds with different value systems. He has done this through the use of†¦show more content†¦First we hear Schaeffers voice starting to interrogate Carter on Johns whereabouts, then we see Schaeffers shoulders and back pass right in front of the camera but not showing his face. This creates a dominant presence over Carter who at first just sits there not saying anything. Then the scene changes, and suddenly the viewer is seeing the predicament from Carters perspective and instantly everything changes. Because Carter is sitting down, Schaeffer appears so much bigger and more intimidating than real and instantly the viewer feels exactly like Carter, threatened. This is totally contrary to the Amish society where the viewer is always presented with an equal view of the scene with no one at a clear advantage. The juxta-positioning of two of the scenes above, the barn building and the interrogation of Carter, also contribute to the creating of the two worlds. First the viewer is witness to the interrogation which whole purpose works towards Schaeffers own ends backing the contempory way of thinking of self before others. Straight after the scene is over the viewer then witnesses a close-knit Amish community, working together peacefully towards a common goal. This causes two extremes to be placed one after the other, leading to proposed direct comparison by Peter Weir. By placing the two scenes right after each other, a direct comparison is drawn, compared with if the scenes were spaced more widelyShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of American Culture884 Words   |  4 Pagesyet and Im not even sure if I want to anymore. I must also admit that today, in those tiny rare moments France comes into my mind, I see it as a life blessing that put me in the right path to get to know myself better. I got to be in Brazil to whitness and experience myself the blossoming of the feminist spring that has spread around the country for the past years and that has shed light on important issues such as gender, race, sexuality, and inequality. I had the chance to question myself, myRead MoreThe Autobiography Of Malcolm X1701 Words   |  7 Pagesthere has beeb times in my life where I needed to change something that would better me, however I was stuck in my ways and didnt possess the willingness to change. Willingness is an important component in any overall behavior change. As you read my essay you will see that he also possesses that quality as a child. Many African American families went through alot in the early days and the little family was no exception. Malcolm little was born on May 19, 1925, to Rev. Earl Little and Louise little.