Thursday, March 27, 2008

POV in Rear Window



Every Agle:

Rear Window is a masterful work by Alfred Hitchcock. This film is all about Point of View, you are stuck with whatever L.B. Jeffries can see from his room and that is where all the action plays out. Hitchcock uses many techniques that use all kinds of POV tricks. The introduction of the camera lense for close-ups is very clever and realistic, you never see more than what Jeff can see. At the same time, there is an overlapping POV which is more of a narator, used in the opening shot to give us a perspective, and then zoom into Jefferies where we are actually seeing him; but most events we see through the Jeff's eyes. The camera is almost as free as can be, but the movements as very controlled and precise.

Another theme that incorporates POV is the fact that this movie is almost a film within a film. Jeff is stuck in his bedroom and he becomes a voyeur of his neighborhood. This is what a filmgoer does, he integrates himself in another environment. Jefferies became to know the lives of all his neighbors and discovered Lars Thorwald's plan. At first Stella sees Jeff's voyeurism as almost sick, and thought it would only bring him trouble; but as they discovered more about Thorwald, Stella and Lisa where both voyeurs again and highly intrigued.





Men Act, Women Appear:

This quote defines Lisa's introduction in the film, and partly her relationship issues with Jefferies. Lisa changes during the film in a way and tries to challenge it by taking action; mostly out of curiosity and her desire to make their relationship work. She was trying to convince Jeff that she can act as well as appear, and although women and men have certain roles in society; these can intertwine.

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