Jeff, a professional photographer, is confined to his apartment in New York after suffering a broken leg in an accident. He is wheelchair-bound and must rest and recover to finally get his cast removed. Whilst trapped in his room, his boredom results in him looking out his window spying, and watching the people in neighbouring apartments. But little did he know that he would come across a shocking revelation. Through the use of his binoculars and telephoto lens, he becomes convinced that a murder has been committed, despite what his skeptical fashion-model girlfriend may think. This is one of Alfred Hitchcock's best and most thrilling crime movies that had me hooked. I love the setting, music, and period as alongside the 80s I love the 50s for their music and movies and this one warrants my love for the era. I loved hearing the music with some beautiful shots of the other apartments and seeing everyday life in New York in the 1950s, from the POV of one of the apartment windows. Especially at different times of the day, from the bright sunny days to the dark nights, even the rainy weather looks stunning. The characters are so enjoyable and engaging too from James Stewart as L.B. Jefferies, who is one of my favourite actors, especially in the phenomenal: It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and The Glenn Miller Story (1954), to Grace Kelly as Jeff's girlfriend: Lisa Fremont. They all do an incredible job in their roles and I love their chemistry together, which brought this film to life from the get-go. I liked seeing all the different apartment occupants too. From the composer playing music on his piano over and over to (as Jefferies nicknamed her) Miss Lonely Heart who looks for love as she is so alone. So many other rooms are full of people living their day-to-day lives, but we know that one room could hold a possible suspect. There are a wide variety of characters that we, as the audience, get a peak into their daily lives but somebody in one of the apartments is a killer... We get to know the other apartment occupants' lives, mostly through Jeff's eyes, and we the audience pay close attention to anything amiss. Alfred Hitchcock has made so many classic movies, especially crime thrillers and murder mysteries which are all critically acclaimed. Despite this being my personal favourite of Hitchcock's films, I would have to say that one of his best films would undoubtedly have to be: Psycho (1960). If you enjoyed this film for its thriller aspects and sense of mystery, then I would easily recommend checking that film out. They are exciting, unique, and unlike any other. The final confrontation is a tense sequence sure to have you sitting at the end of your seat. Our killer finally reveals themselves, confronting Jeff as he enters his apartment. Here we see some clever ingenuity from Jeff, who uses his camera's flash temporarily blind the murderer in the dark room. Since being stuck in his wheelchair with a broken leg, this is all he can do to fend back the attacker in his condition, upping the tension even further. It is a frightening ending that's certain to get your blood pumping as we watch in horror at this attack, just as helpless as Jeff. Overall, Rear Window is an absolute classic that I enjoyed from beginning to end and had me hooked to the story and characters, from our main protagonists to the neighbours in the far apartments. Everyone in this film feels real, not to mention the world, as the whole neighbourhood is alive and gives you that sense of believability. I would definitely recommend this movie to all mystery and crime enthusiasts but even if not, this is a great film regardless and you should definitely check this one out. Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Brilliant film, a classic that I return to watch again and again. Great post!
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