Witness

1)      Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening. The class discussion was script writing and Chris Vogler’s “The Hero’s Journey Cycle”, which has twelve parts, usually with three acts, I, II(A), II(B), III, and an ordinary world and special world. The film presented in class was “Witness”, a 1985 American crime thriller film directed by Peter Weir and Starring Harrison Ford, who at the time starred in many iconic movies prior, such as Han Solo in Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner. In the Film an incident occurs, and a young boy’s life is at risk. Harrison Ford’s character, Detective John Book is risking everything to protect the boy who witnessed a murder against a police officer. In the film John’s regular routine would be an ordinary world and when John escaped to live with the Amish which would be considered the special world for both worlds and experiences are different.

2)      Find a related article and summarize the content. An article written by Deacon Steven D. Greydanus, Bearing ‘Witness’ to the possibility of true community, illustrates what the main message of the film was, which was showing how a religious community comes to accept another white male into the community, with no idea of the customs or traditions that follows. By using his charm and making himself useful to the community, others begin to accept. Hiding in a community that has no knowledge of the outside world gave this community its innocence and sense of belief. In the final scene, “the action climax revisits the contrast between the professional violence of John’s world and the principled nonviolence of the Amish. To its credit, the film avoids definitively endorsing one or the other, instead allowing each to be true to itself.” Since the Amish are against guns in the end when John Book is facing the man who conspired the murder of a police officer he is outnumbered but not by guns, by the community. Realizing all the witnesses he would not be able to get away with anything more.  

Greydanus, Steven D. “Witness (1985) | Decent Films - SDG Reviews.” Decent Films, decentfilms.com/reviews/witness.

“Bearing 'Witness' to the Possibility of True Community.” Crux, 2 May 2016, cruxnow.com/life/2015/10/16/bearing-witness-to-the-possibility-of-true-community/.

  

3)      How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content, etc.? An inside look of how the Amish are. Such as in both worlds how women are treated. For Rachel having an interest in John Book would result in shame. Even though she is a grown young woman who is a widow and deserves happiness just as everyone does. More worried about what others think than what they think. How religion is their main priority above all. Also, how they choose not to peruse violence when being attacked by locals. Choosing to be passive and resist. Having John defend them but Rachels father disappointed in resorting to violence no matter what the obstacle is. 

4)      Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.  With what was discussed in class, Chris Vogler’s, the writer’s Journey gives an outlook of how to write a script and what steps to take. Following Witness, one can point out the use of his method and use for future examples. Overall the film was well put, although the ending did not end the best, with John Book leaving and Rachel remaining with the Amish.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM   1) (x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.  2) (x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.  3) (x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.  4) (x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.  5) (x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.  6) (x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.  7) ( x) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.  8) ( x) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.  

Name: Andre Perez Date: June 7, 2018