Rear Window -- What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 22)

[@tammyr1489]

This is my favorite movie of all time. Brilliant. I’ve always felt disconnected from Vertigo - just didn’t draw me in. This has all the technical and storytelling genius of Hitchcock with Stewart and Kelly and great supporting cast.

[@deancummings586]

"Rear Window" is my all-time favorite movie, but I didn't discover it till I was in my 40's.

[@mrrrl795]

Lucky me, I just bought the whole Alfred Hitchcock collection and this is at the top of my watch list.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

which collection is that? I haven't seen them all -- and I mean EVERY Hitchcock movie -- bundled together.

[@mrrrl795]

@@LearningaboutMovies this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074Q1QHRW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 though it was missing Notorious so I just purchased the Criterion Collection version of that film

[@LearningaboutMovies]

at $75, that one is a steal. That's the best anybody can do, plus supplement with individual discs.

[@captaincurd2681]

Me too. I just watched "To catch a thief" (watched it so many tune). The colors in 50's era movies is so beautiful and charming.

[@atroyz]

This is a great take. I had never really noticed the progression of the composer writing the love theme. One thing: you mentioned the film has no diegetic sound but in fact that’s mostly what it has. It has no non-diegetic music.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

If I said no diegetic sound, that was a mistake. You are right: it has almost no non-diegetic sound. In other words, all of the sounds including the music are coming from within the movie world. thank you.

[@dave1070]

Just came from the theater after seeing it for the first time as part of its 70th Anniversary release. Outstanding film, Stewart and Kelly are fantastic, with a great supporting cast. Immediately looked for reviews/analysis and found you. Really enjoyed your take on this.

[@WG55]

Same here! Thank you to Fathom Events for bringing it back to theaters for a special showing.

[@BaxterJaspurr]

Saw this movie when I was about 20 years old. Fell madly in love with Grace Kelly and have never stopped.

[@BullittHilts]

This was my favorite Hitchcock movie from the first time I saw it. I’ve probably watched it 6 times since and I pick up on something new almost every time. Definitely appreciate how Stewart’s own relationship with Kelly and his own personal autonomy is reflected in the relationships he sees. He’s afraid of being held down, wants a woman who can go with him wherever he wants to go (selfish), but also isn’t ready to give up Kelly (when she leaves him at the door he gets concerned, asking for things to be status quo). I could write a lot more. Everyone needs to see this movie! They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

[@debbieking5171]

The best of 1950s filmmaking.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

I watched it recently at the age of 52 for the interest in the camera and ended just loving this movie. I will try and convince my wife to watch it with me again

[@tammyr1489]

This is my favorite Hitchcock movie and in my top five of all time. It’s brilliant technically, for sure, but also manages a tense, cohesive story in which the characters behave in ways that seem rationale within the movie (if outrageous for real life). I’ve always felt disconnected from Vertigo.

[@JT-rx1eo]

My #2 Hitchcock movie behind Vertigo . A close #2. A very cozy movie woth the setting and great on so many levels. And the diagetic movie theme music, which was being composed by a character during the course of the movie. How cool is that!

[@user-bu7ig1dr9e]

I agree, Jimmy Stewart is Absolutely awesome in his role as the man that watches all of his neighbors! Two thumbs up for this Movie. 👍🏽👍🏽 Rear window is a great movie!

[@RandallvanOosten-ln5wf]

Rear Window is a great classic. In its era it was sophisticated, urban, smart, and thrilling. It is Hitchcock at his best with two of his greatest stars, Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly.

[@snakes6248]

Just discovered your channel. Really enjoyed some of your videos. I need to give this movie another watch sometime. I saw it back in high school and was very disappointed with it because I thought it was leading to a twist ending that didn't happen (I won't spoil anything for people who haven't seen it, but those who have know what I'm talking about).

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. Glad for the comments; much appreciated.

[@maxdewinter9472]

This is a great movie in so many ways. I've seen it many times. I like to watch it in August during a heat wave. One of the little things that I really like about it is the way time passes in the film, as it would if the events were actually ocurring. The viewer knows what day and time it is in the film, the whole way through. The film starts on a Wednesday morning and ends late on Saturday night (not including the brief coda when Lisa pretends to be reading the adventure book). The clocks in the apartment show the correct time corresponding to the passage of events in the film. The only place where this does not line up is when Jeff's suspicions are coming to a head on Saturday evening, and Lisa is in the apartment, but so is Stella. Why is she there at that time when she has only been there before at 8 am to fulfill her duty as the insurance company nurse? Maybe that's one of those odd scenes that Hitchcock referred to as 'ice box moments' The type of thing that a couple would talk about at home in the kitchen after seeing the picture, while getting a midnight snack.

[@sergenerli976]

I enjoy watching this movie and I plan to watch it agin, focusing on the points you mentioned. I look forward to future episodes.

[@raymondhartmeijer9300]

Not one character in this movie realises that in summer keeping the windows open all day actually let's all the heat in, it will stay warm thru the night so you can't sleep. It only makes sense to keep the windows open during nighttime, to let some cool air in, once the sun is up you should close the windows and curtains.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

somehow, we need to work this observation into the "windows as individual movies" interpretation. It does intensify the curiosity of the Stewart character, who should be closing his window as you say, but has such intense curiosity about what's out there that he leaves it open to increase his physical suffering and itching (in the cast).

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

Diagetic Music defined: Music in a drama (e.g., film or video game) that is part of the fictional setting and so, presumably, is heard by the characters. (for those of us still learning after graduating from 3rd grade!!)

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thanks.

[@klue8578]

Easily one of my favourite movies!! So intriguing, stressful and comforting all at the same time somehow.

[@kenziebenzie77]

Thanks for this video! Super helpful for my film class! :)

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome. Be sure to cite me!

[@gregap8282]

Just saw it on HBO Max. Love old movies so much. I want to live in Jeff's apartment. PS. I'm a gay man, but when I saw Grace Kelly's introduction I was gobsmacked by her beauty.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@blackswan4486]

I’m a straight woman and same here

[@arvinnrajj7339]

gay is disgusting dude

[@SinnerMatic]

Amazing film and a fantastic episode Sir!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@guarddave]

I watched this movie with my parents at the age of seven upon its release in 1954. I was bored out of my mind and hated it. Now it is one of my top five movies, and I love watching it over and over and over again. Maybe it speaks well of me that I understood none of it at the age if seven! Lol!

[@user-bu7ig1dr9e]

I did the same thing, back in 1954 I was six years old, I was so bored with the movie…I think we were at a drive-in. So I fell asleep in the back seat of our car. and now I think this is one of Hitchcocks best!

[@poetcomic1]

Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter are perfect in their roles and enrich the movie greatly. Raymond Burr was chosen mainly as a large hulking presence and he conveys menace all the way across the courtyard. Hitchcock showed him how to walk, move etc. and he gave JUST what was needed for the part, being an intelligent actor.

[@boredkid3771]

hey, i love your contents, very informative! thank youu

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome. very much appreciate this.

[@hdurh7136]

I felt exactly how you described upon the end of watching the film. Hopefully it’s a better movie when I watch it a second time.

[@debbieking5171]

Hello boys and girls, just some interesting information. Three of the minor characters were in Perry Mason, 1. JESSLYN FAX, the sculptress, WENDELL COREY as the poliveman, and FRANK CADY owner of the little dog and fell in the window with the mattress when it began to rain.

[@debbieking5171]

Who plays the composer? I wonder what Mr. HITCHCOCK says to him while winding the clock?

[@MadMetsFan]

I saw it in HS (1986) and it was much better than I thought it would be (I thought it would be too talky for me, but it wasn't)

[@arthurkorff]

My aunt wrote me a list of American films to educate me. 'Rear window' is one of 20.

[@ascendant9792]

This movie is actually phenomenal!

[@Noirlore]

Imagine turning down Grace Kelly

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Hitchcock's point is not just turning her down but having the secret (unknown to you) desire to murder her.

[@johannvanderstajfn9828]

Still my favourite movie of all time

[@user-bu7ig1dr9e]

Two thumbs up for this Amazing Movie!👍🏽👍🏽

[@stuartlee6622]

BEFORE EVERYBODY HAD AIR CONDITIONING IN THEIR APARTMENTS.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, though they are on the verge of being used at this point (early 1950s).

[@joyceyt6722]

So informative!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I'm glad it was for you.

[@Tillchan]

Thank you. Can you recommend some interesting articles about Rear Window that you would recommend?

[@exospheric_icarus]

Hey... If the sounds originate from within the narrative, and is performed snd heard by the character, why did you say that the movie has 'no diegetic music'?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

it's corrected in the comments. I meant no non-diegetic.

[@exospheric_icarus]

@@LearningaboutMovies thank you

[@psyifinotic]

really well done video wow

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@productivenation9336]

amazing movie and amazing video 👍

[@GoldGoneWired]

Would love an in depth break down

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. Yeah, I'll do this.

[@thepeopleschoice8613]

Great video!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@Logan-dp6uw]

Awesome video

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you very much.

[@jitendradoc]

Very nicely detailed review. I feel it would be better if you use varying backgrounds and lightings. Your dark clothing and dark background sometimes distract. Why not a colourful decoration with lots of posters and paraphernalia? One can always add humour and anecdotes. This unique combination made Chris Stuckmann very popular. You have a different array and spectrum of movies with your own ideas about their uniqueness. You certainly will do something different. And please review some horribly bad movies! They will spice up your channel! With love Jiten From India

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks. have you seen one of my newer videos? new camera and background lighting. Updating sets takes money. Stuckmann's first videos, maybe his first 200-300 don't look so good -- it takes us creators a lot of time and trials to figure out how to do things right. I'd simply as for your patience. One day I'll get to a few horrible movies -- they are actually very fun.

[@jitendradoc]

@@LearningaboutMovies Thanks for your reply. There are few reviewers who actually love cinema and also have that perseverance to keep up their doings. Yours variety id unique. Your approach to the review is more mature( no swearing and cuss words). It is surprising that movies like Seven Samurai have so few serious reviews on KZbin! Every Frame a Painting was a great reviewer. I yearn for that level of energy and depth in a Vlog that you do have. I have started loving your analyses. It is certainly very difficult to review, shoot, edit videos and upload this frequently. I did not intentionally compare you with Chris. In fact, your different approach makes you different from others. Satyajit Ray shot his first movie on a very basic rig on 16mm. Kurosawa insisted on real set pieces and 200min length for Seven Samurai. If the content is authentic and sincere, the bells and whistles matter less. I hope that one day you become the best reviewer and produce independent projects. With love. Jiten P.S: You can watch classic Satyajit Ray online with English subtitles

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you, Jiten. I love movies and think they should be treated as the great art that they are, not just commercial products, mere entertainment, and fun nonsense from which to make stupid videos. One reason Seven Samurai, etc., is not reviewed or discussed on KZbin much is the KZbin algorithms. They dampen, hide, or don't over videos of older movies. If I do anything about any movie before 1950, it will be buried. Silent movies get almost no hits. Now it's true perhaps that people are not searching for that content. Yet KZbin doesn't help them by offering it to them. It prioritizes new pop-culture material. That is what it is. No complaints from me. My videos have found a lot of great people, such as you, who are helpful and smart and love movies, too. That's the kind of audience I want; it's better than having millions of people whose comments are nonsense. I appreciate all of your comments so far.

[@jitendradoc]

@@LearningaboutMovies Exactly. Watching a movie and loving it are two distinct activities, not necessarily mutually exclusive. Yet, more than often, people watch movies out of habit, or to fill up some blank space. Mediocre movies act as fillers only. But great movies are the condensation of thoughts of unique people. They should be seen, thought about and let the central idea imbibe. The KZbin algorithm certainly doesn't not help! And the commercials and promos horribly affect the viewing experience. And everyone can't afford Premium subscription. By the way, what is your idea about the orange and teal colour palette used almost universally now a days? I certainly miss the shadows and grains of B&W and the spectrum of Technicolor these days. I was watching Bridge of Spies and distracted horribly by that unnatural colour scheme. If it was important to show the cold war era as a bleak and paranoid period, they could have done it through shadows and music. I know B&W can not be marketed now. But why this plague of orange and teal? Why not a natural spectrum? Do you recommend any particular video of yours? It seems that most people are hell bent on justifying the use of O&T. Thank You Jiten

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes! I have a video on Black and White movies somewhere on my channel. You should be able to find it with a simple search across the channel.

[@uslines]

Thelma Ritter makes this movie great.😂

[@Orcl1100]

Great film! Wonderful performances. Especially a scene stealing Thelma Ritter.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you

[@drewmantia]

This movie has ONLY diegetic music except for the intro

[@royalbloodedledgend]

Grace Kelly. Simple

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@rambud986]

why your face looks like you are about to burst into laugh but holding your laugh?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

why you can't write good grammar?

[@petelutz2967]

From a strictly production-type viewpoint, the almost constant tapping on your desk or table is being picked up by your mic and it's extremely annoying. Keep your hands still, please! Once we get past this habit of yours, your film analysis is terrific. Thank you.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

If you got into a time machine and told me this several years ago, your advice might help. I also am not a big budget channel. It's a one man show, and some viewers are forgiving of production problems. That is standard on KZbin.

[@petelutz2967]

@@LearningaboutMovies sorry, I just discovered you so I understand about that. Keep on keepin' on, and I'll keep watching.

[@vedantkulkarni1338]

But why Thorwel killed his wife

[@LearningaboutMovies]

not sure. for Hitchcock, it's a combo of what looks like his wife nagging him, plus the inscrutable evil within everybody, potentially.

[@stuartlee6622]

HE WAS A KENNEDY.

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

Why the need to know the reason Thorwald killed his wife?? Fictional story made into a movie.

[@ibopwebop]

The mise en scene is great but the script in severely flawed. No wife killer would leave so many breadcrumbs to allow himself to be caught like that. He kills the dog and leaves him there for every one to see. He leaves his window open while he reveals his wife's jewelery. Not only that, but he comes to kill the photographer but brings no weapon. C'mon man. Its not a believable ending.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Criminals are generally stupider and do stupid things more than people would believe. Ask any police department anywhere.

[@ibopwebop]

@@LearningaboutMovies it does not make the film believable. the supension of disbelief is based on making you believe in the plot and the characters. The killers looks out the windown several times and thinks he is immune to the gaze of the neighbours. Who does that!!!