Voyuerism in the Cinema

Rating: Null/10 (27 April 2003)

There are several themes that run through many of Alfred Hitchcock's films. Theme is described by the Oxford English Dictionary as, `the subject of discourse, discussion, conversation, meditation or composition; a topic.' With this definition the themes of Hitchcock's movie are the underlying message he is trying to impart to the viewer. In Rear Window one of the main themes Hitchcock is exploring is the idea of voyeurism, the pleasure people derive from watching others. The idea of voyeurism is the overarching point of the film; you cannot watch Rear Window and not be drawn into Jeff's (played by James Stewart) voyeuristic ways. Almost the entire film is shot from Jeff's point of view, so the audience sees exactly what Jeff is seeing. Another important aspect of this voyeurism that cannot be overlooked is the commentary Hitchcock is giving on cinema as a whole. When a patron buys a movie ticket they are paying for the privilege of watching other people's lives for around two hours. In real life they would be arrested as `Peeping Toms', as Jeff's nurse warns him about. This idea of the moviegoers participating in voyeurism can also be seen in Hitchcock's film Sabotage. In it the main characters own a movie theater. The patrons are then paralleled with the New Scotland Yard detective who is watching the owners. While the entire film is a commentary on voyeurism we will examine two scenes closely to better understand how Hitchcock was able to make such a fascinating film about how much people enjoy watching other people. The first scene we will examine is the opening scene in which the viewer is introduce to the occupants of the building outside Jeff's `rear window'. The viewer is treated to unobstructed views into the personal lives of the inhabitants: whether they be sleeping, shaving, or dancing. Within each window Jeff, and therefore the viewer is treated to a different genre of film. The woman Jeff describes as `Miss Lonelyhearts' is a melodrama, the love story of the newlyweds, and the murder - mystery of the Thornwalds.
One technique Hitchcock uses to get his point across about the movie viewer being a voyeur is through the constant use of Point of View shots. Therefore, the viewer sees only what Jeff sees. They are not treated to shots from inside the other apartments. This leads to a desire within the viewer to know more about what is occurring in the other building, just as Jeff grows ever more curious. Similarly, when Mr. Thornwald looks up and catches Jeff peeping the angle stays with Jeff's point of view so that Thronwald is looking directly at the viewer; almost accusing them of being an accomplice. Another scene where the viewer is drawn farther into Jeff's world of spying is the scene where Mr. and Mrs. Thornwald get into an argument. The viewer watches, as Jeff does, the couple fighting. However, the viewer gets no more information from the couple than Jeff does. Hitchcock does not cut to a shot from within their apartment. Instead, the viewer is left wondering what is being argued about, just like Jeff. One of the techniques Hitchcock uses to reinforce this distance from the action and voyeuristic tendencies of the audience is the dialogue left out in this scene and the noise that is placed in the scene. Perhaps the voices of the Thronwalds would have traveled across the courtyard if everything were perfectly quiet. However, the movie takes place in New York City where there is a constant buzz of noise that obstructs the viewers' and Jeff's ability to hear. Again, Hitchcock is forcing the viewer to deal with only having the information Jeff has. Most moviegoers feel uncomfortable with this since they are used to being all-knowing. Similarly, this drone of city noise is overcome when the poodle owner finds her dead dog. It leads to an aggravating and unsettling feeling for the audience and Jeff. While some things can be heard in the courtyard, most things cannot be heard from the apartments. Therefore, when Thronwald is getting ready to attack Jeff we are left wondering if anyone will be able to hear his cries for help and come to his aid. It is a masterful device set up by Hitchcock. As a whole Rear Window is a fascinating examination with culture, both the cinema and the outside world. People will forever be mesmerized by the lives of others. Even if it brings danger to themselves or the ones they love. It is innate in the human psyche and Hitchcock does a wonderful job of showing through this film.