An Alfred Hitchcock classic, about a photographer who is housebound after breaking his leg, who spends his days watching his neighbours through his apartment window, and soon finds himself seeing more than he bargained for.
Voyeurism is one of the most interesting themes to depict on screen, as watching movies is an activity that seems to fall into this seedy category. Hitchcock has created a hugely compelling social drama, based on a short story, about the way we all like to look into each others lives as unseen observers, and how this can become dangerously addictive.
James Stewart plays L. B. Jeffries, a successful photographer for a magazine, who is also in a relationship with a stunning socialite called Lisa (Grace Kelly). Having been confined to a wheelchair for weeks, Jeffries has occupied himself by staring into the windows of those who live in the apartments around him, and has become intensely interested in each of their lives. It soon turns dark though, as he begins to suspect one of his neighbours, Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr), of murdering their wife. As Jeffries becomes convinced of his theory, all the evidence seems to mount up, that is, until a detective friend shows up and begins to discredit all of the photographer’s findings.
Undeterred, Jeffries, Lisa and his insurance nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter) become a detective power of their own, scouring the “crime scenes” in order to find damning evidence against Thorwald.
One of Hitchcock’s best films, it is revered for its unyielding suspense and absolutely bold approach. To have the whole film take place from one room is inspired, and the film has a unique sense of claustrophobic character: we feel as housebound as Jeffries!
The script is magnificent, lots of quick humour, sarcasm, and pointed comments about society, and the music, which comes from a songwriter in one of the apartments, adds a wonderful sense of harmony to this little cross-section of urban life. Also, there are many technical uses of the camera, which are truly impressive considering this film came out over fifty years ago.
A marvellous addition to my 50 Films To See list, and definitely one of my favourite Hitchcock films.
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