Themes of Rear Window

Rating: Null/10 (22 April 2003)

Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window deals with the complex human characteristics of voyeurism and obsession. These underlying observant premises regarding the human psyche constitute the movies main thematic drive. They are both what sustains and advances the films plot as well as introspective subject matter's themselves. The film blatantly acknowledges these traits within humans as well as dissects them through the lens of Hitchcock's style, editing, and plot as well as his actors. Rear Window is therefore a masterpiece not only in terms of its subjective treatment towards character observation, but the audience's observation as well. The movie's plot begins with L.B. Jeffries (James Stewart) looking out the window curiously at his neighbors. The entire movie is based on the idea of voyeurism from this moment on, with Jeffries, his nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter), and his girlfriend Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly) constantly staring at their neighbors. Jeffries becomes, not a participant in society, but rather an observer. Where he veers from the path of pure voyeurism and into a more gray area is when he creates assumptions around his observations. And this leads to a second major theme in this film- obsession. Jeffries becomes convinced that his neighbor has killed his wife through numerous coincidences and strange happenings. He assumes conclusions to his observations and, due to logic and stubbornness develops and obsession over them. He compromises friends and ignores counter evidence in an attempt at confirming his inkling. He, though almost being convinced otherwise in several instances, never gives up on his theory concerning the supposed delinquent neighbor and consequently creates suspense that had not yet been seen before the creation of this thriller.