Interpretive Claim
Hitchcock’s Rear Window is centered around the theme of voyeurism. This theme is developed through the usage of many devices such as extended point of view shots, prevalent framing, mise-e-scene to create a sense that the audience is watching, just as Jeffries is. In this time period, voyeurism was a popular theme as the post-war atmosphere tended to be depressing, and filmmaker such as Hitchcock sought to channel that mood into interest by shifting attention from one’s own grief to realizing man’s endless curiosity. Alfred Hitchcock uses a multitudes of techniques and skilled cinematography to lure his audience into Jeffries’ fascination with observing in his renowned film Rear Window. Perfectly exploiting the somber atmosphere of the post-war period, Hitchcock distracts the audience with the film while at the same time reminding the audience of their curious and, perhaps, intrusive nature by portraying the theme of voyeurism.
This still is seen from Jeffries’ point of view. The point of view shots characteristic of this film are critical to developing the feeling that the audience is watching from Jeffries’ eyes: in this way, the viewer becomes aware of the fact that they are just as curious and meddling as Jeffries seems to be. In addition, this shot is limited in what it reveals. The viewer can take note of the neighbors – the kissing couple, the dancing young woman, and Thorwal planting something. However, the reader is not given insight into why they are all doing these things or what happens next. These limited understanding reflects how little Jeffries knows and allows the
viewer to feel the same interest and frustration that he feels to find out more and understand the things happening in his neighborhood.
In the film, Hitchcock also uses a variety of panning shots to display the depth of what Jeffries is observing. Through these shots, the audience can see what Jeffries is watching one by one as it is revealed by the camera. This still is one that is done in the same. First, the woman kissing comes into view, then the dancer, then Thorwal. These shots create a feeling of constraint and anticipation toward what is to come. The viewer learns to expect a dramatic reveal with these prolonged shots. However, Hitchcock also uses these shots and reveals nothing more at times. This lack of information, then, shows the viewer how Jeffries feels being unable to move and find out new information that he cannot see in his position at the window. Hitchcock’s persistence usage of the panning shot that reveal and the point of view shots that exhibit the viewer’s desire to know about others all integrate into the larger themes of voyeurism.
One of the most prominent characteristic of this shot is the drab color surrounding it. The buildings, of course, are very gray tone and dull, reflecting Jeffries’ somber mood of boredom. Hitchcock cleverly uses the dull colors to induce a feeling of dullness to the viewer so that they can identify with how Jeffries is feeling. However, as the plot develops, Jeffries finds himself more than captivated by the happenings around him. Then, the natural and routine lighting contradicts Thorwal’s unusually suspicious behavior and other questionable events taking place around Jeffries. In such a way, Hitchcock uses the dull color and lighting to establish a sense of routineness in the beginning, and then uses the same lighting to add a layer of contrast to the film.
Another prominent feature of this still is the severe usage of mise-en-scene. There are innumerable amount of things taking place in this one shot. Each story is unique and captivating, but once the still is seen together and all the stories blend into one another, there is a feeling of chaos and confusion. This confusion is the same kind Jeffries feels as tries to unravel the many mysteries he witnesses. Therefore, the usage of mise-en-scene further develops the theme of voyeurism.
Voyeurism is the primary principle that Hitchcock repeatedly reminds the viewer, This still perfectly captures the essence of that theme due to usage of camera angle and several other elements. In conclusion, Hitchcock utilizes many different elements - particulary point of view shots, panning shots, lighting and mise-en-scene - to create that interest in the viewer to remind them of their extreme curiosity.
