This week's film is, without question, a classic. One of the greatest thrillers ever made. Starring one of the greatest actors of the twentieth century. Directed by one of cinema's greatest auteurs. It's got humour, intrigue, excitement, sex, music, paranoia, voyeurism, and murder (maybe?).
In the film, Jimmy Stewart plays L.B. Jefferies, a photographer who specializes in taking pictures of things like war zones, erupting volcanoes, and auto races. The walls of his apartment are lined with pictures of his exploits. Unfortunately, during his last big assignment, he broke his leg and is confined to his apartment in a wheelchair, in the middle of a New York City heat wave, with nothing to entertain him but watching his neighbours through a pair of binoculars. There's a songwriter working on his latest masterpiece, a ballerina that he's dubbed "Miss Torso," a couple of newlyweds, a woman on the ground floor unsuccessfully looking for love ("Miss Lonelyhearts") and a travelling salesman and his wife.
At a certain point, L.B. realizes the salesman's wife is no longer there. Based on what he sees the salesman (played by the incomparable Raymond Burr) doing in his apartment--as well as what he's witnessed between the two of them in the past--he jumps to the conclusion that she must have been murdered by her husband. He does everything he can to convince his model/socialite girlfriend, Lisa Fremont (the always lovely Grace Kelly), his police detective friend Tom Doyle (Wendell Corey), and even his housekeeper Stella (the great Thelma Ritter) that something suspicious has happened and he's not just being paranoid.
I saw this film in a theater this past Wednesday night. It was being presented by Fathom Events to commemorate the film's 70th anniversary. I've seen the movie a few times. I actually own it in blu-ray. But there's something about seeing a movie on the big screen that just can't compare to watching it in your living room. I find--at least for me--this is especially true of older films. On a theater screen, I tend to notice little things that I don't notice even on a widescreen television in my living room that somehow makes the viewing experience that much more enjoyable for me. What's interesting is that if I watch it again at home, I will notice those things again because I remembered it from the theatrical experience and it will amuse me even more.
The other thing that this movie impressed upon me is the concept of "movie magic." Throughout the film, we watch Jimmy Stewart from his apartment gazing out on the courtyard below and the apartments across the way. We see the people in their apartments and catch a glimpse of the lives they lead. If you look carefully in certain scenes, you can even catch a glimpse through the alley and see into the little restaurant across the street--with traffic. And that's all well and good until you discover that the whole thing was actually shot on a soundstage at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood. But it looks so real, you would think it was shot on location in a New York City apartment complex. That sort of thing--especially when it comes to little details (did I mention the restaurant across the street?)--never fails to impress me when it's done well. Of the film's four Oscar nominations, I am kind of surprised that it wasn't nominated for Production Design and Set Decoration. That's a real injustice in my opinion. (In case you're curious, it was nominated for Best Sound Recording, Best Cinematography--Colour, Best Screenplay, and Best Director--and all rightfully so.)
As you've probably already guessed, this week, I'm recommending one of director Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful masterpieces, 1954's Rear Window. PEDANTIC GEEK NOTE: The trailer is for a re-release of the film--you can tell because Psycho, which is referenced in the trailer, was originally released six years after Rear Window.
Until next week, stay safe, be good to your neighbours (try not to spy on them), and please remember that if at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Yours in peace, love, and rock and roll!
The Reverend Will the Thrill
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