Smith – WITNESS BLOG

Smith – WITNESS 

            This movie accurately represents what would happen if the old Amish society of western Pennsylvania and the modern American world of violence and crime were to mesh together. Witness is filled with choices and one of the biggest changes for John is his ability to choose love over violence or the farm life over the city life. Rachel has a choice as well, her choice is between John and her son and what would be the best act for her lifestyle. He does change his view on violence and when it is appropriate to use them.

            When the Amish were getting bullied in the carriage, John decides to get out and put a stop to it. He does try to ask nicely first which is something the original John would not have done. He did hit the boy and break his nose but it was for the good of the Amish who deserved his help. The movie is about a murder and a witness but in reality all we end up caring about is the relationship between John and the Amish society. Falling in love is a change in its own right. In the quote, “Peter Weir wanted the climax to Witness to downplay the violence and stress the love affair between Book and Rachel” (Pfeiffer 152), even the directors and movie makers wanted the direction of the film to be focused on their love affair.

            One of the big lessons portrayed in this film is that even after him changing his lifestyle to fit the Amish society, he does not fit into their mold of selfless acts. He understands the cost of violence but does not eradicate violence completely from his life. This is one aspect where he fails to change. He fails to abandon violence completely, which is necessary to be accepted into the Amish society so he knows that he has to leave. There is no option for everyone to win. This is another thing that John changed is that he is not selfish anymore, at least to a point he has become selfless.

            The Amish are concerned with getting Rachel another husband because her husband died and Book enjoys the bucolic Amish lifestyle and Rachel’s natural appeal. He still feels drawn back to violence in the big city. One of the choices that were questionable was when Book chose to confide in his “old friend and mentor” Schaeffer and then he tips off the murderer as to the witness’ identity. This is something that John learnt from and has changed since. Rachel feels a responsibility to find a father and create a stable family life for her son.  She’s not sure Daniel’s the best man for the job, and considers the suitability of Book as a husband. As Book’s committed to his city life and career, Rachel would have to give up her commitment to the Amish way of life in order to be with him. He has made the sacrifice to let go, which is his final major change in the movie. It is a theme with Harrison Ford in his movies that he is willing to give up his happiness for his woman’s happiness and wellbeing.