I do so adore this film. I hope young people do not dismiss it, or the rest of the Hitchcock repertory, or other film classics, for that matter. These movies are so rich, sophisticated, subtle, and complex, much more so than many contemporary movies. And, they are a study in historical context, replete with detail. Indeed, Rear Window is built like a solid old house, more substantial and intricately crafted than so many contemporary movies lacking in creativity and aesthetic distinction. I adore Grace Kelly and Thelma Ritter in this film, as well as James Stewart. As for how difficult Hitchock is reputed to have been to work with—there is still no disputing his genius. By some accounts he saw every shot in his mind’s eye before executing and shooting. He must have been working from a wellspring of intelligence, even genius. This film, in particular, is seamless, suspenseful, and comedic. It interrogates both personal and social thematics. Quite simply, it’s a masterpiece.
