Rear Window is so perfectly filmed that there are times when I’m watching it that I forget I’m not in the apartment spying on my actual neighbors. The tracking shots are done so well, the shift from internal to external focus is smooth, and the colors are ever so vibrant. However, unlike most Hitchcock films, the true star here is the dialogue. It feels natural, yet it manages to provide hints and clues that tantalize the viewer into watching further. Jimmy Stewart is better than ever in his delivery and all of the actors play their roles very well—they are essentially part of a play within a movie, so they take on a more symbolic role in the main character’s psyche. 

Even just on the surface level there are numerous ways to read the film. Who hasn’t done some people watching with creative narration from time to time? With COVID quarantines, I think a lot of us understand what it’s like to have your view of the world limited to a single frame. However, if you probe the depths, there’s rich symbolism here too. Various possible futures of marriage play out alongside Jeff’s noted apprehensions.

Ultimately a film or show has to be made for a wide audience, but in the moment, while watching, doesn’t it sometimes seem like everything is happening just for you? To the point where you feel you’re creating it all?

AFI Top 100 (Original) Ranked
AFI Top 100 (10th Anniversary) Ranked
Alfred Hitchcock Ranked