Rear Window Reflection

 Rear Window is a thrilling murder mystery by Alfred Hitchcock. The story is captivating, and the filmography fits the story very well. I really enjoyed this film despite usually not being too drawn to older works. However, Rear Window tackles some innovative film strategies that really make it stand out along with solid character development. I do think that the mystery itself is pretty straight forward, yet the character dynamic is much more enticing. 

I think on the most basic level of what makes Rear Window an intriguing work, are the characters. The protagonist LB Jefferies, also known as Jeff. Jeff seems to be a character that relies on being very active and must be very involved with everything around him. However, he suffers a broken leg which hinders this want bringing on the introductory conflict Jeff has. Another trait Jeff has is that he yearns for his independence. Which not only is impacted by his injury, but it sets up the character of Lisa beautifully. Lisa is the girlfriend of Jeffries, who is almost his opposite due to her wanting nothing more than being linked to Jeffries. His injury gives her the perfect opportunity to course Jeffries into marrying her.

What makes Rear Window set itself apart is how they use these characters to set up the scenes and feelings of the film. Due to Jeffries injury, the film is confined to his room. It doesn't show you anything outside his knowledge which is perfect for a mystery/thriller. It sets up an interesting dynamic for the viewer that is watching a movie through a movie. The first movie you watch is Jeffries in his room, the second being what you see through his window. 

As far as feelings go in a mystery/thriller go you would expect to get waves of anxiety and some fear. Which is certainly what you get, but not always from where you'd think. Obviously, the main antagonist Thornwall provides this, but I found myself feeling anxiety whenever scenes of just Jeffries and Lisa. This is due to Lisa wanting Jeffries yet he constantly repels her. Of course, towards the end of the film the conflict is resolved, by that I don't mean Thornwall being arrrested, I refer to Jeffries seeing the love he's hidden from Lisa.

All in all, I believe that the true conflict in this film is between the romance of Jeffries and Lisa, not necessary the murder committed by Thornwall.