As my last review was East of Eden, I found it only fitting to do a classic movie review as well. Also with DP kicking off I haven’t had all the time in the world to go out and watch Parasite or the 19th installment of Fast and Furious. Just before the holiday did come to an end, I did get to watch quite a few movies from one of the directing goliaths of the 1900s, Alfred Hitchcock. The film that stood out to me the most, however, was Rear Window.

I feel like this film is a step above other films as it is so unique, has an amazing concept and is fantastically amazingly absolutely well filmed. But again, let me get this straight. This film also isn’t for everyone as classics often aren’t as relaxing as it takes more brainpower to understand the story rather than really cool digital effects.

Pros and more pros

• The casting fit very well, as in characters didn’t feel out of place in the way that they were portrayed 

• A very interesting concept that was pulled off to perfection
  • In the one hour fifty five minutes of run time, about thirty seconds were shot outside
  • Every other scene was shot inside one room, whether on Jeff (portrayed by James Stewart) or out the window
• The fact that this film can convey such a compelling and enticing story entirely filmed from one room is astonishing

• It is a different take on spy movies.
  • Although the “not detective sees something suspicious” isn’t the most original concept, the way Jeff deals with it is entirely different and unique in itself

• The suspense as opposed to surprise creates so much more tension than modern thrillers

• The blurred line between who is on which side creates just that little bit more excitement

• You are forced to watch helplessly as you know something bad is about to happen. You feel like you are in Jeff’s shoes as he watches out his window as danger approaches, unable to do anything. This creates an amazing sense of immersion that is unmatched in many films today

• The diversity in the characters made it so that although it was a murder/mystery type film, that wasn’t the only dominating factor
  • Had a very accurate portrayal of apartment life and the cultural diversity in dense urban areas

This movie on the whole is a cinematic masterpiece, completely one of a kind. Many people don’t like movies if there isn’t good digital effects or some nice CGI. But Rear Window’s cinematography alone is enough to make you want to watch it and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Email me at stsebastian@edu.kis.ac.th if you have a specific request!