Rear Window
-“Do you suppose it’s ethical to watch a man with binoculars, and a long-focus lense until you can see the freckles on the back of his neck, almost read his mail-do you suppose it’s ethical even if you prove he didn’t commit a crime?”
-“I’m not much on rear window ethics.”
“We’ve grown to be a race of peeping toms. What people should do is stand outside their houses and look in once in a while.”
“Okay Lisa-probably you’re right. He’s probably in the bedroom now, entertaining his wife with the Indian rope trick. I’ll admit to criminal insanity. Now when do I start the cure?”
I decided to watch Rear Window as my first Hitchcock movie for one purpose only. I wanted to see how a director can orchestrate an entire movie in just one square, one picture. And I am immensely pleased with what a great first impression it came to be. This movie is an excellent example of how I would describe a classic murder mystery. You’d think not much would come out of it having being filmed all in one scene, but alas, Hitchcock achieved to simultaneously tell multiple stories all from the eyes of the protagonist, as well as scare me pretty well. The romance as a subplot also worked really well. It didn’t distract you from the main idea of the movie but it honestly was really really sweet. Lisa as a side character and love interest, unlike many characters of the same position nowadays had a very solid personality and stance. Also I just loved how her being a risk taker only made Jeff fall in love with her more-that look he gave her when she came in all excited after successfully leaving the letter under the guy’s door? Priceless. And him praising her for it. Yes. HELL yes.
My favorite character just has to be Stella though. Such an icon, and I truly hope every care taker in the world helps their patients spy on people and support their delusions just as much as she did.
“I can smell trouble right in this apartment. You broke your leg. You look out the window. You see things you shouldn’t. Trouble. I can see you now in front of the judge, flanked by lawyers in blue double-breasted suits. You’re pleading ‘Judge it was only innocent fun. I love my neighbors like a father’. The judge answers, “Congratulations. You just gave birth to three years in Dannemora Jail.”
“When I married Myles, we were both maladjusted misfits. We still are. And we’ve loved every minute of it.”
Overall I’d watch this movie again and again honestly. My only advice don’t watch it with someone who’s already seen it and just LOVES teasing you about you not knowing what’s gonna happen. Shoutout to mom and dad xx.