Witness directed by Peter Weir explores the clash between two cultures which cannot co-exist comfortable. This clash is highlighted by the use of music, various camera angles and camera shots and the narrative structure of the film. The main themes of love and violence clearly emphasise the clash and lead the audience to the conclusion that the realistic world of the Amish and the violent modern world should remain separate.
The audience is drawn into the culture clash when the key characters John Book and Rachel Lapp fall in love. We are drawn in by the use of various techniques and because their relationship had an ordinary beginning as Rachel completely resented John Book for forcing the modern world on her. Rachel's nursing of Book shows a developing relationship. Soft lighting in the darkened room shows that she has softened her stance towards the outsider. Rachel's touch is tender and her expression is concerned.
It is when Book and Rachel are trying to fix the car and listen to the song "What a wonderful world," that we really realise that there is a bond that shouldn't be there because of their different backgrounds. The close-ups of Rachel and John's faces reveal their passion as do the medium shots of them dancing. This scene shows the two characters touching each other and laughing. The words of the song suggest the lack of knowledge between Rachel and Book, but that love can conquer these differences. The soft lighting, light hearted atmosphere add to the romantic tension. The culture clash in this scene is highlighted by Rachel's awkwardness of dancing and Eli's interruption and warning to Rachel. In this scene Eli symbolises the Amish culture and the music symbolises the modern culture.
It is when Book and Rachel embrace in a passionate kiss that the two worlds come together. Close-ups are used to show Rachel in her house looking at Book and there are subjective shots of Rachel looking at Book and this creates the climax of the relationship.