The film "Witness" is a classic crime thriller that was released in 1985. It tells the story of John Book, a detective who is assigned to protect Rachel, the young Amish witness to a murder. As he tries to keep her safe from the dangerous criminals who are after her, he becomes increasingly drawn into the closed-off world of the Amish community, which is a sharp contrast to his own.
One of the most striking techniques used in "Witness" is the contrast between the modern world and the Amish community. This contrast is established from the very beginning of the film, as we see the bustling streets of Philadelphia and then cut to the peaceful, rustic farmlands of the Amish. This contrast is further emphasized through the use of lighting, with the city scenes being brightly lit and the Amish scenes being much darker and more muted.
Another technique used in the film is the use of close-ups and framing to draw the viewer's attention to specific details. For example, when Book first arrives in the Amish community, we see a series of close-ups of the faces of the community members, which helps to establish their personalities and convey their reactions to the outsider. Similarly, when Rachel and Book are being pursued by the criminals, the camera often focuses on their faces and the tension in their expressions, which adds to the sense of danger and urgency.
The film also makes use of music to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. The score is largely composed of traditional Amish folk music, which adds to the sense of authenticity and helps to transport the viewer to the world of the film. In contrast, the music used in the city scenes is more fast-paced and intense, which reflects the frenetic energy of the city and the danger that Book and Rachel are facing.
Overall, "Witness" is a well-crafted film that makes use of a range of techniques to create a compelling and immersive story. The contrast between the modern world and the Amish community, the use of close-ups and framing, and the careful use of music all contribute to the film's success and make it a classic of the crime thriller genre.