Sheer brilliance of film making

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2000)

I believe most Hitchcock buffs consider "Rear Window" the director's best accomplishment. And why not, although "Vertigo" is a serious competitor. "North by Northwest" is my favourite Hitchcock film, but I think it's "Rear Window" that proves his mastery perhaps most perfectly.
Aside from being a highly enjoyable murder mystery, "Rear Window" plays like a lesson on film making. Even though when you're familiar with the plot, you can still watch the movie over and over again, admiring how brilliantly it's put together. Elaborate camera work compounded with flawless editing - simply marvellous.
John Michael Hayes' script - containing interesting, lively dialogue - is downright delicious; one of the best Hitchcock worked with, not to mention the excellent cast. James Stewart and Grace Kelly are fantastic, and Thelma Ritter adds plenty of comic relief.
In a way I can understand some people who say "Rear Window" is boring. Occasionally it may seem a bit sluggish, because nowadays' audiences are used to much quicker pacing. But when Stewart makes Kelly to believe his murder theory, the story gains momentum at a stroke. From there forward, it's topnotch thrilling all the way to the tingling climax.