Kellogg: Witness Blog

John Book (Harrison Ford), the protagonist of the 1985 film Witness, is “a vulnerable man who is subject to the same misjudgment and mistakes as everyday people” (Pfeiffer 151). Working as a police officer in Philadelphia, Book is assigned to investigate the murder of a fellow policeman. Book begins his investigation by questioning Samuel Lapp (Lukas Haas), a young Amish boy who witnesses the murder while traveling with his mother, Rachael Lapp (Kelly McGillis). Just days later, Samuel identifies the murderer as narcotics officer James McFee (Danny Glover), and Book confides in his superior, Paul Schaffer (Josef Sommer), about the internal corruption. Book is later ambushed and shot by McFee, implying that Schaffer is also a corrupt officer. Knowing that their safety is in jeopardy, Book drives Rachael and Samuel back to their farm where he passes out from a near fatal gunshot wound. While recovering at the Lapp’s farm, Book’s character undergoes a pivotal transformation.

One of the most important changes Book’s character undergoes is his understanding and appreciation of community. Book lends a helping hand when the Amish come together to build a barn in a single day. During the montage, Book is seen putting his carpentry skills to good use and appears to genuinely enjoy helping out. It is clear that Book begins to appreciate being a part of something greater than him. Additionally, Book’s understanding of the religious aspect of the Amish community grows significantly. Early on in the film, while out to lunch with Rachael and Samuel, Book dives right into his lunch before noticing Rachael and Samuel praying before eating theirs. He expresses a look of annoyance. However, while at the Lapp farm, Book is seen praying before multiple meals. Even though he may not consider himself to be religious, he learns to be considerate when in the presence of those who are religious. This shows that his character has become more respectful and self-aware. Finally, Book learns to love. Book, who is unmarried, has been a loner for quite some time. However, while at the Lapp farm, Book begins to develop feelings for Rachael. The sexual tension between the two grows significantly as the film progresses. Book finally addresses his feelings and understands that if they chose to act on their feelings, either he will have to stay or Rachael will have to leave the farm. The two share one passionate kiss, knowing that this will be the first and last time they can do so.

While the changes Book undergoes help us to gain a deeper understanding of his character, it is what Book does not change about himself that is most significant. While in town, the Amish are harassed by a group of locals. Eli Lapp (Jan Rubes) insists that Book refrain and not act in a violent manner, however, Book cannot sit idly by and watch them be hassled. Book, who is instinctively violent by nature, warns the man that he is making a big mistake, before punching him and breaking his nose. Book’s outburst shows that he has grown to respect the Amish community, so much that he is willing to engage in a physical confrontation to protect them. Although he has only been on the farm for a small amount of time, he feels a deep connection to the community and feels obligated to defend their society.