Rating of
3.5/4
Rear Window review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 09/20/11
L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies (James Stewart) is an injured photographer stuck in his apartment. His girlfriend Lisa Carol Fremont (Grace Kelly) assists him solve a possible murder across the building. Jeff uses his binoculars and a long focus lens of his camera to snoop his neighbor’s privacy of their own home while giving them nicknames: Miss Lonely Heart, Miss Torso, and Songrwiter. He also informs his NY police detective friend Tom Doyle (Wendell Corey) to investigate. Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr), the jewelry salesman becomes conspicuous of L.B.’s intent and drops by his apartment. The script was well written based on a few lines from the picture: Stella – “What people ought to do is get outside their own house and look in for a change.” “Every man's ready for marriage when the right girl comes along.” L.B. Jeffries – “That's no ordinary look. That's the kind of a look a man gives when he's afraid somebody might be watching him.” Lisa – “Surprise is the most important element of attack.”
One of the most analyzed film because of its premise – The relationship of Thorwald and his nagging wife mirroring Jeff and Lisa’s, loyalty (Miss Torso flirting when her boyfriend was away), loneliness (Miss Lonely Hearts and the Songwriter), marriage (newlywed couple), privacy and voyeurism. The cinematography, acting, directing and screenplay were astonishing. A few misgivings this reviewer had were parts were a bit dragging, his fall from the window was too fake and the swift conclusion. It built so much suspense that the ending seemed to be lacking and abrupt. Other than that, Rear Window is one of the best films that involve human behavior especially from a distance.
