#Witness 1985 movie movie

There are still gunfights and an action-oriented climax, but the core of the film is about the struggles of a city man adapting to a foreign lifestyle. Witness began life as a fairly unremarkable police thriller however, director Peter Weir's fascination with the Amish culture resulted in his taking the story in a more cerebral direction. He also 'goes native,' helping out with chores around the farm, participating in building a barn, and falling in love with his attractive widowed hostess, Rebecca.

While there, Book recovers from a gunshot wound inflicted by McFee during an exchange of fire, and determines his next move. With nowhere else to turn, Book goes into hiding in Amish country, posing as one of the Lapp's cousins from Ohio. Book confides his findings to his superior, Chief Schaeffer (Josef Sommer), only to learn that he too is involved. Suddenly, this is no longer a simple homicide. When they learn that McFee is involved, it changes everything. Enter Detective John Book and his partner, Detective Elden Carter (Brent Jennings), who are assigned to investigate the murder. He is in Philadelphia with his mother, Rachel (Kelly McGillis), waiting for a train to take them to Baltimore. There is one witness - a young Amish boy, Samuel Lapp (Lukas Haas), who is hiding in one of the stalls. In a men's lavatory, an undercover cop has his throat slit by two of his fellow officers - Detective James McFee (Danny Glover) and his associate, Detective Ferguson (Angus MacInnes).

The place is 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. It is one of the few times he has been given the opportunity to play in a straight drama. Playing John Book allowed viewers the opportunity to see Ford the actor instead of Ford the action/adventure icon. The result was one of the most nuanced and competent performances of his career. For Harrison Ford, freed from the shackles of Han Solo (although still bound to Indiana Jones), this was an opportunity to try something different.

It's a love story, a fish-out-of-water tale, and an examination of clashing cultures in a modern world. In fact, Witness is much more than a thriller.

#Witness 1985 movie movie

Calling Witness a crime thriller is technically accurate, but it does this layered and dramatically compelling movie a disservice.