However, Rear Window is what I consider to be Hitchcock's best film.
The reason for the comparison is that both Psycho and Rear Window were directed by the master, Alfred Hitchcock.
Rear Window has a very simple narrative. There are only a handful of speaking roles and the entire film is set in one room.
L.B. Jefferies (James Stewart) is a wheelchair-bound photographer. He's spent the last two months in his apartment, where he spends most of the day staring out the window watching his neighbours.
Outside, he sees a small capsule of American life. There is the ballerina dancer, the musician, the artist, and the old married couple. Being a hot summer, everyone has their window open all the time, letting Jefferies into their lives from a far. Perhaps Jefferies has become paranoid, or a little insane, but he suspects that a murder has taken place in the neighbouring apartment. His suspicion leads to an incredibly suspenseful and thrilling movie that only Hitchcock could have pulled off.
Rear Window is an unmitigated masterpiece. Only Hitchcock could make a movie that takes place all in one room, and add more suspense than most modern filmmakers could with CGI or special effects. The star of this film is not James Stewart or Grace Kelly, it's Hitchcock. His directing is so precise that he shows you exactly what he intends, leaving your mind to fill in the blanks.
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| James Stewart as L.B. Jeffries getting a better look |
An extra layer to the film is the character of L.B. Jeffries. He is our "hero" character and the main protagonist. However what he is doing is for all intents and purposes, wrong. It's none of his business what his neighbours do and it's creepy to stare at them all the time. Rear Window becomes an interesting movie because we aren't sure who to trust or who to root for.
Take some time to check this out if you haven't already. It is a great showcase as to what a good director can do and how to build natural suspense.
Vertigo or bust!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Rear Window led to one of the best Simpsons spoof episodes of all time. They even show Jimmy Stewart's RW character in the ep.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should do the Simpsons movie?
DeleteI think in the past I've seen this movie, but my only memories of it have been muddled by the Simpsons episode! If only Jimmy Stewart saw someone burying Maude's plant instead of a body!
ReplyDeleteNothing beats a Simpson parody
DeleteIn University I took a whole class based around Hitchcock movies. Ever since then I have had an admiration for Hitchcock and his films.
ReplyDeleteHitchcock is the master of imagery and technique. Everything from shots to camera pans are strategically placed to act as some sort of social critique. If you haven't already, I would suggest giving both Strangers on a Train and Shadow of a Doubt a watch!