Blog: Rear Window. 11/30/09

I've always thought that Alfred Hitchcock was a brilliant filmmaker - Rear Window was an excellent example of this.

The setting of the apartments surrounding Jeff's "rear window" play an important part in paralleling his relationship with Lisa.

Miss Torso: she is a woman who cares for exercise and physical fitness/appearance. She tends to host parties/gatherings in her apartment. It's obvious that men are drawn to her and desire her. In reflection to Jeff and Lisa's relationship, I see Miss Torso representing the "perfect" or "ideal" woman (in regards to Lisa). Because of Miss Torso's appearance we - as the audience - expect the woman to be with a handsome, debonair type man. In the end, we find that Miss Torso's actual beau is a short, balding man. Jeff thinks Lisa is too good for him or should be with someone more of her "society." By looking at Miss Torso, Jeff learns the old saying to "never judge a book by its cover." If Miss Torso can be with Mr. Shorty-n-Balding, then Jeff can certainly be with the beautiful Lisa.
Jeff and Lisa's reaction: Jeff can't help but sometimes stare at Miss Torso, and Lisa - who catches a glance too - can see why.

Miss Lonelyhearts: I feel that I should relate Miss Lonelyhearts to Jeff and Lisa individually. Jeff sees a person who is suffering in their loneliness; Jeff feels that he can't have a relationship with Lisa so, ergo, he must feel lonely. It's obvious to me that Lisa loves Jeff and doesn't care about their differences, but she relates to Miss Lonelyhearts when Jeff suggests they may not be a good match. Jeff and Lisa are the perfect "lonely" people who should end up together.
Jeff and Lisa's reaction: Both Jeff and Lisa feel sorry for Miss Lonelyhearts.


The Composer: is a man who is struggling with his profession (piano playing). I see Jeff mostly reflected in the Composer. Jeff is stuck in a wheelchair, due to his cast, and in the beginning of the movie we see him struggle with his lack-of-work.
Jeff and Lisa's reaction: Jeff watches the Composer struggle and Lisa loses herself in the Composer's music.

The Newlyweds: the couple are the newest tenants at the apartments. Upon their arrival, they close the curtain to umm...*cough*...enjoy the "newlywed" part of life. I think Jeff looks at the Newlyweds as the Obvious of what will happen if he were to ever marry [Lisa].
Jeff's reaction: Whenever Jeff catches a glance of the Newlyweds, the husband is trying to enjoy a smoke and his wife is calling him back into the apartment. I feel like Jeff dreads this for the husband.

Thorwalds: Mr. and Mrs. Thorwald - DUH! - have a not-so-great marriage. They fight a lot and it seems that Mr. Thorwald suffers some verbal abuse from his wife (well, we know how he takes care of that). I think the idea of what Mr. Thorwald does is the Worst Case Scenerio in comparison to Jeff and Lisa. Jeff and Lisa love each other; Jeff may be having doubts but Lisa is strong in her feelings for Jeff. Thorwald, tired of his marriage, decides to kill his wife. BIG difference between the two couples.
Jeff and Lisa's reaction: (see movie summary/plot). Jeff and Lisa see a man who was so troubled by his marriage that he takes things into his own hands and turns to murder (as his way out).

Hitchcock makes it more apparent of what is happening in Jeff and Lisa's relationship by showing the goings-on in the other apartments. There are similarities that show Jeff he doesn't have to think Lisa is too good for him; Jeff sees the tough side of relationships but learns too that one can overcome all. And by looking at Thorwald... one can learn to not kill your spouse.