Fave use of light: Witness

Weir Worlds

So "Film Scene Friday" didn't take at all. I guess I'm bad at giving myself reoccurring blog deadlines even on subjects I love. I'm going to move on now to technical aspects in movies only true film lovers can appreciate. Like use of lighting. Yeah, this is usual that portion of the Oscars where you usually go to the bathroom are start a side conversation or just nod off. But I watch movies I really love over and over for technique on many levels. Light is kind high on that list and "Witness" directed by Peter Weir aside from being one of my all time favorite movies ever is also pretty high up there on my list of movies whose use of light knocks me out time after time. The use of light to convey something painterly and holy, warm and natural, even menacing is a skill Weir used masterfully in Witness.

Lets not even speak of framing and composition. Every shot is a masterpiece. From the opening shot of tall wheat swaying gently in the wind to the closing shots of John and Rachel (Biblical much?) part ways, each into their own separate worlds after changing one another for life.