Marriage in Rear Window

Rating: Null/10 (28 April 2003)

The most interesting part of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window is the portrayal of marriage. This theme is absolutely central to the film. At one point or another each character is described in terms of marriage - the lynchpin of the plot is the failed marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Thornwald; Jeff is constantly pontificating about the institution of marriage; Lisa is conflicted because of Jeff's aversion to marrying her; the newlyweds show the trials and rewards of young marriage; and, Mrs. Lonleyhearts cannot find someone to marry her. The theme of marriage that runs through the film and the relation of the various characters to this theme is similar to other Hitchcock films viewed throughout the semester. The hero and heroine of The 39 Steps pretend to be married but the actual union is never realized. This is parallel to Jeff and Lisa in Rear Window - the audience is enticed into thinking that they will end up getting married because of Jeff's regard for Lisa's daredevil side, but we never actually see a marriage ceremony, an engagement ring, or otherwise. Thus, even though the theme of marriage pervades the lives of Lisa and Jeff and most of the other characters, and though they are all brought together by the plot twist of a failed marriage/murder, the two main characters never take the plunge (so to speak). The complexity of the marriage theme makes this a fantastic film for both the film student and passive audience member alike.