Blog Assignment #6

The authors used visual language in Witness to create a film in my mind by being very descriptive about everything. In the opening of the film the authors take you on a written journey of what the credits would look like and pretty much deliver everything second by second. Once the film actually begins, the authors automatically dive right into the description by going into detail of what the buggy would look like, and even going as far as saying that the horse's breath is shown in the frosty air. This not only helps describe what is going on in the scene, but it also helps the readers to physically feel what is going on, which also helps to create a film in the readers mind. Also, by giving specific camera directions like "TIGHTENING to the Lapps, and..." help the reader to see what the DP would see. 

Another way that visual language is used, is in the script, how certain things are isolated and then described. For example when Rachel was first mentioned and when the clock on 9:00 am was mentioned. This helps the reader to isolate details and really focus on them and once again see what the DP would see.

Discussion Q's: 

1. The fact that Samuel and his mother were from an Amish community plays a big part in the film and the story itself. How do you think the Amish community feel about films like Witness? Are they angry or ashamed of what they see? Do they think the portrayal is accurate? 

2. As we all know, relationships on films are important to the success of a film. When people don't agree, sometimes a film can suffer. How do you think Witness held up? Would it have been a better film had the relationship been healthier?

-Georginia Hurge