Rear Window 1954

David Longenhagen III
Rear window
Runtime 112 min
English
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Released 08/01/1954

Everything we have talked about in class was in Rear Window. There was montage, ideograms, and music to combing with the film to break the fourth wall. The film made one think that the setting was boring, the main character breaks his leg and is confined to his apartment. He too gets so board that he begins watching his neighbors. This to me realistic, who goes outside or looks out a window and doesn't see what their neighbors are doing? Montages give the story is transition from day to day, ideograms can be seen all over, each other apartment has a unique person living in them that represents something about human nature. The fourth wall was broken because when the main character and his friends tried to solve the mystery the music combined with the footage made you not witness suspense but fell it. And the very act that this movie made you feel makes it a masterpiece.

The article I found was by Michael Wilmington called Rear Window Still Looks Great. In it he discusses how the film has been re-mastered and it is still one of the greatest suspense films. He then goes into a summary of the film and then takes a look at the characters. He also talks about the setting which simple is mostly the main characters apartment. He called the film a dazzling cinematic style, and went on to discuss the main theme that there are perils to curiosity. (Wilmington). Ebert like always gives a very detailed account of the film. He basically praises it very highly. And talks about such film subjects such as the Kuleshov experiment. He concludes by diving into what makes this film a success, not just by having a great cast, but by the feeling it gives. Danger, suspense, and being a thriller are the tools at work and by the end of the film, Ebert refers to them in his final line as an equivalent to foreplay. (Ebert).

Suspense, and great acting are the key features in this film. I never saw this film before class, and i was blown away. The main character watches all the characters, and one suspects something's going to happen. It never does, until later in the movie when you hear a scream. This turns into a roller coaster ride that doesn't stop. It is epic in the way that it builds up the emotion. One scene when the main character's love interest is in the antagonist house snooping around and you see the man come home I was almost jumping out of my seat "get out!" I had fun because the suspense and sense of danger really was impressed on the viewer.

What can I say that hasn't already? I enjoyed this film so much that I got it after class. Because of the viewing I really like Hitchcock's work and will pursue his other works. This film like I said makes you want to yell at the screen. Like the main character your stuck sitting and can't do anything but look, and that idea works wonders. I highly recommend this film. Also They made a current film called Disturbia(2007), which is a modern remake. I suggest checking this film out too for some kicks.

Ebert, Roger. Rear Window (1954). February 20, 2000.
Wilmington, Michael. Rear Window Still Looks Great. Chicago Tribune [Chicago, Ill] 25 Feb 2000