Rear Window
Friday, January 22, 2010 at 12:00PM 
"We've become a race of Peeping Toms. What people ought to do is get outside their own house and look in for a change."
Release Year: 1954
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Review: Trapped in a room, the world abuzz around, Jeff Jefferies (Jimmy Stewart) reveals our inner voyeur in one of Hitchcock's masterpieces of suspense. I have a soft spot for one room movies, and Hitchcock is a master at decompressing a small space into a dynamic, un-restricting world. The tension is keyed up high from the beginning. It is a hot day and Stewart is trapped in his room overlooking a court yard which is a microcosm of New York City. It is akin to a plastic ant farm. Everyone going about their own business oblivious to one another, but wholly watchable by Stewart and the viewer. This rich world is important in the story working and it was essential for Hitchcock to be able to pull off such an environment effectively. There needed to be enough life outside the window for us to be interested in looking out it for the entire length of the film. He succeeds on every level.
The idea of the voyeur is very pronounced in many films, but none so much as in 'Rear Window'. The shooting technique Hitchcock employs exaggerates the relationship the viewer has in relation with Stewart. He looks through the binoculars, we see what he sees, and then we see his reaction. We too are the voyeurs. The reasons we as movie goers may choose to watch films may be very much in line with why Stewart chooses to involve himself with the life outside his windows. The crime, while keeping the story suspenseful isn't the main theme. It is much more about relationships and love. Stewart obsesses over his neighbors in a way to escaping his own relationship troubles with his girlfriend. He sees an entire gamut of kinds of people through his window, from happy old couples, young couples and lonely singles. What he sees through the lenses of his binoculars reveal more what is within himself more than anything. It is only through the adventure does Stewart fall in love with his girlfriend. By observing he has grown.
'Rear Window' is a completely gratifying film in every way. With such a simple premise so much is explored. The one nit I would pick would be that near the middle portion I felt the suspense ball was dropped every so slightly, however it is a minor note in a near flawless film. The acting by everyone involved is incredible. Jimmy Stewart is the definition of a relatable guy. His tone is offset perfectly by Grace Kelly, who brings the epitome of the perfect woman to the screen. Stewart often remarks that Kelly is "too perfect". I couldn't help but think that about the film. Everything falls into place so perfectly. And yet, rather then be off put by this, it works on every level. This is a testament to the brilliance of Hitchcok. He is that good.
Rating: 4.5/5
