Rear Window Film Review

    Rear Window, which is a film created in 1954 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, takes a different approach to the other movies we have since watched. This movie differs from others because it has basically only two settings the entire time. The plot involves a man, L.B Jefferies, who broke his leg in a photography accident, so he is stuck in a wheelchair in his apartment for several weeks until he heals. During the time he is in confinement, one of his only sources of entertainment is watching his neighbors out his back window. His apartment backs an ally so he is able to see right into his neighbors windows throughout the day. Since Jefferies has a long recovery process, he is able to collect a lot of information on all the people who live around him and learn their schedules. After a while, he notices some strange tendencies from one of his neighbors named Lars Thorwald. He is seen going out late at night, hiding his wife's things and just not being his normal self. Jefferies begins to investigate the situation. He bring in Stella, his caretaker for the time being, and Lisa, his love interest. They end up getting very into it and eventually find themselves bring in a detective. On one occasion of them trying to find more evidence, Lisa ends up in his apartment where she gets caught and almost killed. Thorwald learns about Jefferies stalking tendencies and tries to get revenge, only to be caught by the police and arrested. Jefferies did however get shoved off of his balcony where he ended up breaking his other leg. Through the movie, many people were doubting Jefferies and thought he was crazy for thinking there was a murderer in their midsts, but it turned out he was right. 

    I really like how this movie differs from most out there. Hitchcock kind of took a leap of faith with creating something that doesn't have very many view changes. We never actually get the points of view from anyone else's apartment looking back at Jefferies, or just in general. The only shot we really ever get is looking out Jefferies' window. Most movies have a ton of different settings and shots and points of view, so this one not having it makes it a stand out. Personally, even though I like how the movie is different, it was not my most favorite. I thought that it would have been a little more exciting if we could see closer into other apartments and what the others were doing with their lives, even if it was just a glimpse. At times, I was a little bored while watching the movie and was hoping for more change. However, I think the fact that we were able to learn so much about his neighbors without ever actually talking to them or even really getting a good look is impressive, especially on Hitchcock's part. 

    I found the character development throughout the movie to be very interesting as well. The most obvious to me is Lisa and Jefferies relationship. The movie starts with Lisa being super into Jefferies, but not exactly vice versa. Lisa is the perfect, ideal woman that any many would want. That is, except Jefferies. He states how he wants someone who is spontaneous and willing to do crazy things, and not someone who is just kinda perfect and nothing else. Through this investigation, it gives Lisa the perfect opportunity to show Jefferies that she is able to be crazy. She get very involved with the case, and like I mentioned earlier, she somehow ends up breaking into Thorwald's apartment and almost gets killed. Jefferies had a new found respect and attraction towards Lisa after this and decides that he does want her.  I thought it was interesting because Jefferies was so anti-Lisa in the beginning, but was easily swayed after the events that unfolded. I liked how there was a bit of a side-story away from the murder, to direct our attention else where at times. It especially helped because when we as the viewers might have felt trapped in the apartment, a distraction like their love life gave us something else to hope for. It was a cute love story that I enjoyed keeping up on throughout the movie. 

    I love how Alfred Hitchcock took a leap of faith with creating a movie that steps outside of the comfort zone. While it was not always the most entertaining of movies, I still can appreciate the effort and storyline that was created.