Thursday, October 10, 2013

Here Lie The Broken Bones Of L.B. Jefferies

I wrote about Rear Window for my dissertation in college. I chose the topic of Style versus Substance in Hitchcock's films and I discussed Rear Window in one of my chapters. I already loved the film, it's definitely one of my all time favourites, I've seen it so many times and studied it in great detail and I still love it. 


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If you haven't seen Rear Window, you probably know the storyline from the various pop culture references like The Simpsons Bart of Darkness episode as well as it's various remakes and "homages" like Brian de Palma's Body Double and more recently Disturbia. I can't remember exactly when I first saw it, but I'm pretty sure it was the second Hitchcock film I had seen, after Psycho. It must have also been the first film I saw with both Grace Kelly and James Stewart (swoon!). Re-watching the film recently I was reminded of my love for Grace Kelly.

When I was a kid my mam had books and magazines about her and I was always so intrigued by her as both an actress and a woman. I'm sure my interest as a young girl was due to the fact that she was a real life Princess and wore the most stunning clothes. Her wardrobe in Rear Window was designed by Edith Head and in the film she wears one of my all time favourite dresses in cinema, the black and white one from her introductory scene. What I wouldn't give to have my own version! Rear Window is worth watching for her costumes alone.

When I was researching for my dissertation I read all about the making of the film and the amount of detail that went into the production. The set was the largest to date and they even excavated the floor to accommodate all of the apartments featured in the set. No matter how many times I watch it I'm always impressed by the scale of the set. I love how we see little glimpses into Jeff's neighbours lives and how each of his neighbours represents the different feelings he has about his relationship with Lisa.

In conclusion I will say if you haven't seen Rear Window, get on that. I don't think anyone could not like it.

What's your favourite Hitchcock film?

Emma x


9 comments:

  1. Hello, dear Emma! I love all these screencaps. If you look at them while scrolling rapidly down the page it's like watching the movie! (LOL) I agree that Grace Kelly never looked as beautiful in any scene of any film as she did in the black and white ensemble in Rear Window. She was the epitome of elegance and class. James Stewart is one of my favorite actors and my favorite movie of his was Anatomy of a Murder. Raymond Burr is another fave of mine and I'm currently working my way through his Ironside television series. Character actress Thelma Ritter appeared in some of the most popular movies of the 50s and early 60s. The grand scale of the Rear Window set is very impressive indeed. When I watch the film I totally buy into it without reservation and believe that I am seeing events unfold at a Greenwich Village apartment building.

    My favorite Alfred Hitchcock film is North By Northwest starring Cary Grant, James Mason and Eva Marie Saint, the perfect blend of action, suspense, mystery and romantic comedy.

    Thank you for a very entertaining movie review, dear friend Emma. I hope you and Donnacha are having a super week!

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    1. Tom would you believe I haven't seen North by Northwest! (for shame!) I need to get on that straight away! I've seen so many Hitchcock films but for some reason that one has passed me by! Glad you enjoyed the stills, I had a lot of fun picking them out. Hope you're having a lovely weekend! I'm getting to head over to SDM&M now to catch up with you! :)

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  2. I only recently watched this on tv, it's very good!! I'm not the biggest Hitchcock fan, or more I've never taken the time to watch all his movies but I adore my movies and love The Birds!

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    1. The Birds is another great one, love the suspense in it! Glad you like Rear Window too, I have a feeling you would enjoy more Hitchcock if you watched them! :)

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  3. I've yet to see this but will get on it ASAP!

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    1. Oh I hope you do! I know you'd appreciate for the fabulous costumes alone! xx

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  4. Rear window is one of my all time favourite films, I love Hitchcock a stupid amount. I went to see it at the sugar club last year- themed cocktails and costumes so we got to dress up as grace and Jimmy. Very cool! Great post.

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    1. Wow! Wish I'd known about that, would love to have seen it in the Sugar Club! Delighted you're a fan too, it's such a good film I really don't know how anyone could not like it! x

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