Cultural Differences: Witness – Peter Weir: Into the World Essay Example

up shots display their facial expressions.

Their facial expressions are happy however they often pause to look at each other without smiling, which illustrates that they are aware of what they’re doing, is wrong. As there is chemistry between the characters, their pauses show the tension of the situation. It is clear that there is chemistry however they cannot peruse their relationship as they are from different worlds. This is further implied through John singing the lyrics ‘that I love you and I know that if you love me too what a wonderful world this would be’ This indicates the possibility of how things would be if their cultures were more accepting.The contrasts of both cultures are expressed through the mid shot of both characters as they are caught by Ellie.

The car lights shine on Rachel and John, which emphasise that they have been caught in the act and that their actions are ‘immoral’, as the Amish are not to use technology, let alone listen to English music this is further supported by the close up shot of Ellie’s surprised and disappointed expression. Towards the end of the film, there is a scene which highlights cultural differences.In this scene Rachel and John are saying goodbye as John goes back to the outside world. In this scene, it is demonstrated through the close up shots of both characters gradual smiles and combination of hopeful non-diegetic music, that they have realised and accepted that John doesn’t belong in Rachel’s Amish community and must go back to his world. The cultural differences are made prominent through setting and costuming.The juxtaposition of John’s suit, the land and the bird

house emphasises the differences in culture as a suit is typically worn everyday in the modern world for work, however he wears the suit on the natural landscape which signifies his lack of connection to the Amish world.

The acceptance of John’s departure back to the English world is made apparent through the framing of both characters. Cultural differences are shown in this scene as the mid shot of Rachel exhibits her framed by the house door showing where she belongs.This is contrasted by the mid shot John as he framed by the road; this demonstrates his world and that he must leave to be a part of the outside world. This is followed by John following the path to his car to drive off; the car represents his world which further represents his return to his own culture. It is clear throughout the film Witness that Peter Weir has effectively utilized film devices to communicate the cultural differences between the outside world and the Amish.