Rear Window 10/10
A classic masterpiece completely worthy of its reputation, this film was full of great acting, good characters, a unique and perfectly exploited setting, and a story that keeps you hooked until the end. Hitchcock is, by far, the unquestionable Master of Suspense. The entire film takes place in a single room, and incorporates the view out the windows of that room into the setting. The movie follows L.B. Jeffries (James Stewart), a photographer confined to a wheelchair after breaking his leg. Jeffries has spent much of his time for the past six weeks sitting by his window, watching the goings-on of his neighbours. Married couples, lonely musicians, attractive dancers, he takes it all in (somewhat creepily, I might add). But, after noticing one of his neighbours acting strangely, he begins to fear that something horrible may have happened. The film occasionally lulls you into a false sense of security, before throwing you right back into the thick of it, the tension continuously mounting as the events play out. The climax of the film is one of the most intense things I have ever seen in cinema, and literally had me shaking as I watched. If only there could be more filmmakers like Hitchcock.
The acting was very good. Wendell Corey does a good job as Jeff's detective friend Thom Doyle, playing the skeptic very well until the end. Thelma Ritter was very good as Stella, Jeff's nurse. Grace Kelley was great as Lisa Fremont, the beautiful and wealthy girlfriend of Jeff. Jimmy Stewart was exceptional. There is no other term. He is definitely one of the greatest actors of all time. Every little nuance, every twitch of the face, every change in vocal tone and pitch, the casual and subconscious expressions on his face, they were all completely genuine. It's no wonder Hitchcock used him in so many of his films. Two masters of their art, working together.
