Several different editing techniques were used in the making of “The Devil’s Playground”. The text is one of the very first things encountered when viewing the documentary, and is used in different ways throughout. From the start, the text is used as a way to educate the viewer of the beginnings of the Amish religion, and the necessary background to the tradition of Rumspringa. Many people from the “English” world don’t know of, or understand a lot of what the Amish believe. For the most part, “The Devil’s Playground” is the first encounter some people will have with Amish people. These texts provide the necessary information needed to understand the entirety of the film. Another way the texts are used is when introducing the main characters: Faron, Velda, Joann and Gerald. These are the people that really develop in the footage, and have the more interesting and often times, more difficult experiences with their Rumspringa. The special introductions they are given really set them apart from the rest of the teens portrayed by giving them an identity, while the others have virtually no identity in the realms of the film. Lastly, text is used to give updates on the teens’ lives without having to show everything captured on film and making it too drawn out. Examples of this is when Faron moves (multiple times), the leak from the police that Faron was wearing a wire when arrested, and when Emma moves to Florida. This technique is also used in concluding Joann’s story after she chose to join the church, and to no longer be filmed because of her decision.
Another technique used was that of the voice-overs. These were commonly used with a background depicting typical Amish life or Rumspringa experiences. The voice-overs in the beginning of the film from Amish teens provide insight to much of what they have been taught of their religions’ beliefs, and also their personal experiences with Rumspringa. When editing the film, a “We believe” section was put into the intro. This is where the teens are stating the basic things they believe in, and when filming, Lucy noticed they all used the same phrases. The voices in this section overlap in the two words they all began with, “We believe”. The overlapping voices helps show the “group think” mentality many Amish have. As said in the director commentary, the Amish seem to have the same thoughts, which comes from living in their Conformist society, much different than we are used to. From a very young age, Amish children are taught very strict beliefs about their religion, which leads to this “group think” mentality that is seen. The voice-overs also give insight to each person’s personal thoughts and lives. This aids in giving each person their own individual identity, and breaks the original impression that they all think the same. This also shows the hardships each goes through in trying to make the ultimate decision. Each individual has their own views, yet they all mention worrying about heaven and hell.