Rear Window

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: August 1, 1954

DVD Release Date: March 6, 2001

Plot 411: An injured photographer who is isolated in his apartment believes one of his neighbors has murdered his wife.

Review: This is the first Alfred Hitchcock film I've ever watched and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It's amazing how so many elements of this film could be conveyed with a simple look or camera movement. The idea that the entire movie takes place at one man's apartment and the surrounding buildings is pretty novel. It makes the viewer feel very intimate with the characters. I liked how the theme of voyeurism and isolation permeated throughout the film. Everyone really does live their own lives behind closed doors. They have lives that they do not show others, and the only way to uncover these secret lives is by being a peeping tom. Besides being filled with suspense, I found that there was a lot of humor by the supporting characters. I loved Thelma Ritter, who played Stella the nurse, and her interactions with James Stewart (L.B. Jefferies). Also in this film was the beautiful Grace Kelly. This was my first experience with her as well and I'd have to agree with everyone else that she's stunning.

Watch It: For a free class on movie magic - point of view, camera angles, plot, suspense building, film score and acting talent. It all comes together in this one.

Skip It: If classics don't really appeal to you. This one doesn't have any CGI, blood and guts, sci-fi wizardry or any of those things. It's strong enough to stand on its own without all the hoopla.

Trailer: