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Trust Weighted
Perfect
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88Trust Points
BigdaddyDave's Review
Summary - Perfect 5.0
Brilliant acting from Jimmy Stewart, along with a state-of-the-art set, and artful direction, helps make Rear Window a masterpiece.
Stewart plays Jeff, a photographer confined to a wheelchair while he recovers from a broken leg. With limited means of mobility, he relies on watching his neighbors from his window. Through binoculars, he introduces us to a cross-section of society, including a lonely spinstress, newlyweds, a music-writing bachelor, a young dancer, and a jewelry salesman. Through this voyeuristic world, Jeff witnesses activity that makes him think a murder may have occurred. But did it really, or is he just the victim over an over-imagination?
Director Alfred Hitchcock does a masterful job in creating intrigue, suspense, and mystery, without resulting in gruesome imagery. You feel the sense of wonderment and shame that Jeff feels as he knowingly invades others lives, and become attached to the characters he watches, as they are silent, but important parts of his life.
Although the action is told almost entirely in Jeff’s apartment, it’s the creative set design and use of camera angles that elevates this story to perfection. Hitchcock’s attention to details creates a world of fascination, and a wonderful treat for the viewer.
Acting - Really Great 4.5
Male Stars - Really Great 4.5
Jimmy Stewart turns in a masterful job in his role as the injured photographer, balancing just the right amount of likeability, with vulnerability and humor.Female Stars - Perfect 5.0
Grace Kelly is absolutely incredible in her role as Lisa, the girlfriend of Jeff. Heart-stopping beauty, with a sweetness that makes her incredibly effective as the contrast to the dreary life-style that Jeff leads.Female Costars - Really Great 4.5
Thelma Ritter is an absolute gem as the nurse assigned to help take care of Jeff. Sharp, witty, and a nicematernal contrast to the sweetness of Grace Kelly.Male Costars - OK 2.5
Wendell Corey is ok, but a bit too wooden in his role as a reluctant detective. Raymond Burr has very few lines, but manages to jump off the screen with his non-verbals, coupled with great cinematography.Film - Perfect 5.0
Direction - Perfect 5.0
This is easily my favorite Hitchcock film, showcasing many of the aforementioned cinema treats that make him so special. A classic example of the master-story teller at his best.Dialogue - Perfect 5.0
Music - Great 4.0
Visuals - Perfect 5.0
The creative full-size apartment complex, built inside a studio sound stage that needed a floor removed to accommodate all three stories of the central apartment, highlights an impressive visual treat of a film. The apartments themselves become an important part of the narrative in this film.Edge - Tame 1.4
Sex Titillating 1.6
Violence Gentle 1.4
Rudeness Polite 1.3
Reality - Natural 1.0
Circumstantial - Natural 1.0
Biological - Natural 1.0
Physical - Natural 1.0
1 Comment
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Wick Nov 13, 2011 11:02PM
Regarding BigdaddyDave’s Review
Terrific review BigD. I didn’t know about the apartment complex set built inside the sound stage before. Fascinating.