How Did Hitchcock Do It ?

Rating: 9/10 (1 November 2006)

I've been always amazed by Alfred Hithcock's incredible ability to create real good thrillers without hiding the villain or murderer's identity through the picture; he usually reveals it right from the start. In "North by Nortwest" we know all along that James Mason is the villain, and the same happens with Joseph Cotten in "Shadow of a Doubt", John Dall in "The Rope", Ray Milland in "Dial M for Murder", Robert Walker in "Strangers on a Treain" and even Charles Laughton in the old "Jamaica Inn". The point is that the director creates tension, intrigue and high impact with perfectly handled situations which is not an easy task and requires a lot of talent.
"Rear Window" is another example. Bounded to a wheel-chair photograph L.B. Jeffries passes his time by spying his neighbors apartments through his window helped by the big eye of his camera. He gets interested in one of them (Raymond Burr) who is clearly planning something and not before long we realize the man's intention is murdering his wife which he does. From then on the picture enters in its most tense and interesting parts as Jeffries, helped by his girlfriend Lisa (Grece Kelly) and his housekeeper Stella (Thelma Ritter), searches for evidence to catch the killer.
"Rear Window" stands as a perfect thriller where you almost feel in Stewarts skin (all you see outside his apartment is what he sees through his camera). And when the murderer -aware that he's been spotted- comes over you are worried too.
All in all, a real impressive film by Hitchock with lots of tension, thrills and perfect performances. Forget remakes and go for this one; you won't regret it.