Rear Window (1954)
Over and over, I expect to be let down by these classic films. I figure they've been parodied and emulated so many times their impact will be lessened. I’ve seen Disturbia. That means I've seen Rear Window, right? Wrong. Once again, a film by Alfred Hitchcock has earned its reputation.
Photographer L. B. “Jeff” Jefferies (James Stewart) is confined to a wheelchair, having broken his leg while photographing a racetrack accident. To pass the time during the summer’s blistering heat, he peers through his binoculars. That's when he notices strange behavior in an apartment owned by a traveling jewelry salesman (Raymond Burr) and his bedridden wife. Convinced something sinister is afoot, Jeff asks his longtime girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) to help investigate.
I hear people comparing books to movies so often I’m sick of it. They're two different mediums and each excels at telling certain types of stories. “Rear Window” is so perfect on-screen I can’t imagine it being told any other way. It’s more than a movie, it’s an experience. As Jeff sits in his chair, piecing together what's happening, he becomes an avatar for you. Like him, you have no control over what you see and can’t act upon any of it. All you can do is sit back and try to unravel the mystery; a deliciously intricate puzzle that contains many *gasps!*. Sure the clues LOOK like they tell a story, but it could easily be a misunderstanding. It’s all circumstantial so you can't predict what's coming next. Plus there’s the blistering heat and the fact that our protagonist is imperfect. Jeff is the kind of guy that WANTS something crazy to be happening. Sure he makes compelling arguments, but he could be wrong. The anticipation will drive you nuts.
The tension present is thick, suffocating… kind of like the heat Jeff is suffering through. So much of this picture is told through quiet little moments as we observe people moving about their daily lives, or acting in a manner that must be irregular. You'll be jotting down mental notes when suddenly, something will click into place. Then, pure terror. You’ll suddenly understand how high the stakes have gotten… but by the time you do, it’s too late.
On top of being a splendidly executed thriller, this film contains many laughs and a touching love story. Grace Kelly is wonderful as Lisa. She’s beautiful and classy, smart, and adventurous with a bit of a kick to her. You expect her to be a piece of arm candy for our lead but she’s tough and memorable. The beginning of the film takes its time slowly dispensing information about all of the characters, but you’re never bored. Her relationship with Jeff is good enough that it could’ve been its own movie. It just happens to be a part of a bigger story which makes it a special treat.
Thinking of watching Rear Window? better make sure you pack your deodorant first. You're going to be sweating. If there is such a thing as a perfect movie, this is it. Every detail is exciting and the story unfolds so elegantly I can’t think of a single thing I’d alter. I expected it to be good, but wasn't prepared for how much I'd love Rear Window. (On DVD, December 14, 2016)