Rear Window Movie Review

Rear Window

Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window is a cinematic feat that could not have been done better than the master of suspense himself. For those who are not familiar with Hitchcock or anything else that is old, a similar yet fairly off film Disturbia, is relatable for newer viewers. Rear Window is the story of a photographer who is unable to leave his apartment because of his broken leg, begins to unravel a murder from his very own window. Released in 1954, Rear Window is considered to be one of the greater films of all time.

This film has a very voyeuristic feel to it because of the perspective it comes from. The whole film is shot in one room due to the main character’s disability. Being able to see the rest of the apartment complex from his window gives the audience a feel of curiosity knowing what other tenants do on their spare time. The key aspect of this film is the “Male Gaze” it resembles toward everything that the audience is showed. The dancer is an example that would not have been shown if the main character was a female, or maybe the dance would have been portrayed a lot differently, maybe with envy.

Alfred Hitchcock flawlessly delivers an intense film using the “Male Gaze”. Though most films are considered to be seen through a “Male Gaze’ because most directors were and are male, in this case it is heavily influenced by the male’s actions. The sense of depth throughout the apartment complex and how many rooms are visible through the window of this main character is interesting because anything could happen. In this case a murder happened.