Analysis of opening scene in "Witness"

Opening Scene This opening scene is a crucial one that shows the audience how Rachel and Samuel came to be in a train station being a witness to a murder. The first shot we see is that of a screen covered two thirds the way up of wheat and a blue sky above, there is a flute playing in the background, the use of these techniques highlights the fact that this is a peaceful, happy …

…horse and cart is juxtaposed with a semi trailer and this links back to the theme of civilisation versus nature. The sounds of both these vehicles are contrasted in this shot and link to the people that use them. The horse and cart is a continuous slow moving sound that is quite peaceful whereas the sound and speed of the gas pumping semi is harsh and impatient which also reflects the people that drive them.