#4. Rear Window (1954)

Rear Window is widely regarded as Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest film. While I don’t necessarily agree with that, it’s definitely a runner-up. Hitchcock’s mastery in the art of suspense is showcased here in full effect. Rear Window is one of the greatest mystery films ever made and it remains one of the most consistently entertaining films in the genre.

Rear Window tells the story of a wheelchair bound photographer, named L.B. “Jeff” Jeffries (James Stewart); who, out of boredom, begins spying on his neighbors through the rear window in his apartment. When he witnesses what he believes to be a murder, Jeff tries to find proof. But being bound to a wheelchair, and stuck in his apartment, doesn’t leave him with many options.

One of the most interesting aspects of Rear Window, like Rope, is that the whole film stays in one place. Jeff’s apartment. Everything we see is from Jeff’s point of view. It’s fascinating to watch all of the different people go about their daily lives as Jeff watches. It feels genuine. Each window he watches tells a different story. It just goes to show how great of a visual storyteller Hitchcock was. By the end of the film, we feel connected with these people who had little to no effect on the main plot of the film.

Alfred Hitchcock directs the film with his signature style, which is great, though this film is unique. Everything we see is from Jeff’s perspective, in his apartment. He’s confined to his apartment and so are we. We see out of his window, and through his binoculars and camera. It adds a great sense of immersion that you don’t see in many films. We’re trying to solve this mystery with the characters, and we feel like a part of their world.

A masterwork in mystery suspense, with an incredible cast and director. Rear Window set the bar for mystery flicks back in 1954, and some would argue that it has yet to be surpassed. The love story subplot works great thanks to James Stewart and Grace Kelly’s wonderful chemistry, and the film has a subtle dose of humor that works incredibly well. It’s one of my favorite films, and I strongly recommend it.

Trailer

 

NIGHTNIGHT by DEDDY