Inspired by the trailer for the new Alfred Hitchcock documentary, My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock (2022), I’ve decided to watch as many of Hitchcock’s best-rated films as possible.
Having only seen two/three, years earlier, I decided to start with Rear Window, the one I remember most fondly.
Starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey and Thelma Ritter; Stewart plays a bored photographer with a broken leg; one who passes his time by watching his neighbours through his back window.
What I remembered immediately about Rear Window before watching it this second time was Stewart’s character’s broken leg and poor Miss Lonely Hearts.
Like much of Hitchcock’s best work, Rear Window is a film with all the elements that make a movie watchable. The dialogue and story are engaging. The characters are charismatic. The lighting, sound, and set design are notable. Still, even with all this, I did find myself reaching for my phone during moments that could have commanded my attention more.
The things that stand out most post-second viewing include how breathtaking Grace Kelly was; followed by the masterful suspense, thanks to the sound/set design, lighting, etc. Especially in the final confrontation scene
Where complaints about Rear Window go, I have two relatively small issues. The first is the fact that I had to reach for my phone at all. The second is the moment or two when Stewart’s character couldn’t hear that he sounded crazy and unreasonable, which, subsequently, made me annoyed with him and the dialogue. In my mind, at that moment, he should have heard that he sounded ridiculous and needed more evidence. Then I remember that in moments of high stress, few people see clearly – and often, critical thinking flies right out the window. As such, I may have forgiven him. Possibly. In which case, I only have one complaint?
If you too are inspired to have your Hitchcock Era, even considering my small-ish complaints, I suspect you won’t regret including Rear Window on your watch list. I say, go forth and enjoy the work of the one who helped inspire your current favourite directors.
Happy Film Loving,
G
The Movie My Life 
I, too, may venture back Something special about the look, feel, and glamour of those days.
Definitely do. Sometimes we need art that is uniquely from the past, for reasons including the look, fee, etc.
This is the perfect movie to start knowing Hitchcock. It’s an incredible movie with a magnificent set that is able even to tell you the stories of a lot of characters only by looking at them and it has some really smart ideas. Rear Window is perfect and I’m glad you talked about it.
Thank you. I look forward to seeing more of Hitchcock’s films and noticing the differences One thing is clear, he seemed to love working with James Stewart and Grace Kelly.
In light of the new doc and this review, I’ll be watching some Hitchcock this Fall for sure. Rear Window is a crowd favorite – the perfect movie to start with🧳🔭🪟
Side note, Christopher Reeves aka, Superman starred in a made-for-tv remake of this in 1998. I don’t think it was as good, but good trivia.
Thank you for this great film trivia! Maybe this little titbit will be why my monthly film quiz team finally doesn’t come close to last! 😌😁
I love the sound of that! I also love the emojis you picked.🤓 Not sure whether my next selection will be Psycho or Vertigo, but I’m very excited.
Rear Window is a filmmaking masterpiece. I’m still impressed with how Hitchcock managed to direct so many people from a distance. And you can’t go wrong with James Stewart and Grace Kelly. It did hold my attention all the way through, but I’ll admit I do need to rewatch Vertigo because that’s one of his better movies that I had trouble following.
You’ve reminded me that it’s likely the fact this wasn’t my first viewing of Rear Window, which may be why my attention veered elsewhere at a couple of points. I recall having Zero complaints after the first viewing.
I’m excited about Vertigo because several people have considered it their favourite. I can’t wait for all that mystery! 😁
If and when you go for Vertigo, just be ready for a very slow first half. (Phone at the ready)😅
I will absolutely go for Vertigo, and I’ll let you know if and when my phone becomes art of the experience. 😁📱📱📱📱📱📱📱📱📱
Haha Sounds good!📱
Very good point about directing his cast from a distance. I imagine plenty of rehearsals were required. Still, to be a fly on the wall during the shoot would be quite special.