Day 04: Rear Window

Day fourth of my movie mission featured Rear Window. I’m no stranger to Hitchcock film, but I’m no expert either.  The Hitchcock films that I’ve seen are Vertigo, North by Northwest, Dial M for Murder and Birds; and I loved them all.  Although I would have to revisit Birds because it’s been a long time since I watched it.  I always sensed that the best is yet to come in regards to Hitchcock.  I think Rear Window was just the case.

Rear Window presents the story of a photographer who is stuck in his sweltering apartment with his broken leg.  With nothing to do in his apartment Jeff becomes quite observant of his neighbors life.  After strange events at one of his neighbor’s home, Jeff becomes suspicious and starts to think that of one his neighbors killed his wife.  After gathering what he thinks is clear evidence, Jeff manages to convince his girlfriend, played by Grace Kelly, which his dumping because he thinks she is spoiled.

The premise of the film is really interesting but the acting and characters of the film are great too.  Grace Kelly and James Stewart’s chemistry is really great and carries the romance sub-plot really well that adds a whole other dimension to the film.

I got to admit the films starts a bit slow.  But Hitchcock makes a great job of giving us bits of information which later on come in play.  I liked how I was always guessing whether the neighbored did it or not.  At no time in the film did I think I knew how everything was going to play out.  The climax is flawless.  I certainly know why they call him the master of suspense.  Out of all his movies this one was the one that had me on the edge of my seat.  Its incredible how he manages to sustain a suspenseful moment for such a long time.

One of the most things I enjoyed of the movie was the soundtrack.  I’m not talking about the score I mean the sound design.  I love how the neighborhood is always present with sound.  You always have a sense of the window thought the audio design.  I can’t wait for a Bluray release with HD surround sound audio track.

This movie was lots of fun.  I really like Hitchcock films.  At the time I haven’t seen one I don’t like.  What really impresses me about Hitchcock is that I don’t get the filling he has one excellent technique and uses it all the time.  He always surprises me in his films.  Rear Window is easily one of my favorite Hitchcock films.