A movie that has earned the right to be named Classic

Rating: 8/10 (19 September 2009)

Recap: Photographer L.B. Jeffries is used to taking risks. That's why spending six weeks in his apartment after breaking his leg on his latest assignment is worse than prison. To make time go by he sits at his window and follows the lives of his neighbors. At the same time he is doubting that his girlfriend is the right one, even if she is perfect. But something much worse is clouding his mind. Suddenly the wife of one of his neighbors have disappeared. And he is the only one that seemed to notice.
Comments: There are a few reasons to see this movie. The first and foremost reason is that the movie is a really good one. Made by Alfred Hitchcock, which is another reason to watch it, it is proof that Hitchcock really was a master of suspense. The movie builds it slowly on a subtle psychological level, but when it really counts it is impossible not to watch.
The story is masterfully told, threaded through a complex weave, with small hints and clues presented constantly. But their meaning is not instantly clear, so you have to keep watching to get their real meaning. And so the suspense builds, until Jeffries has involved everyone close to him, whom all was very skeptical at first, until the very end. What also makes it so interesting is the hints ambiguity. The story could turn in two directions, right up to the end, and those directions are truly opposite. Is Mr. Thorwald an murderer, or is he just a victim of his neighbors paranoid mind ghosts. Either end is plausible, until which one is right is revealed.
The acting of the cast is an integral part of the movies success. Stewart must convey that he is convinced, with his supporting actors contributing with the doubts but slowly coming around to his point of view. Stewart is very good at this, and it is also very easy to see how Grace Kelly came to be so popular. Such beauty with such talent is memorable. And it is also easy to understand why Thelma Ritter got so many nominations as best supporting actress (but unfortunately never won). The acting of those three, combined with Wendell Corey and Raymond Burr under the supervision of Hitchcock is really the main reason why the story is so captivating.
Albeit not so apparent in the movie and not so essential for the story, the ambition with the sets and setting of lights and placement of cameras is impressive. It is just good craftsmanship.
8/10