Sequence Analysis Assignment for Rear Window
"Rear Window," is a classical Hollywood mystery capturing many aspects of human curiosity and society as it was in the twentieth century. Through restricted narration Alfred Hitchcock not only portrayed human curiosity, but also awakened a stream of suspense in the audience. He leaves us questioning human morality, and presents to us life as a stratified society. In order to produce such an intriguing film, Hitchcock used many stylistic elements and techniques to emphasize the intended meaning and themes within the narrative text. These implicit themes are seen throughout the film, but when we look at one particular sequence two major themes emerge. First, gender differences are revealed through the use of costumes, a variety of different lighting techniques in the mise-en-scene, and by altering the camera angles through the use of cinematography. The next theme to emerge is class conflict. Evident through observation of the set, lighting changes to produce shadows, and the shifting camera angles. Together these themes are elements that depict social stratification within a society. Thus, by extensive use of stylistic film techniques, Hitchcock portrays a stratified society through gender
This illustrates the growth of female power in the workforce in the 1950's, as she was always made to appear in a more elevated position than him, therefore symbolically looking down upon him and male dominance. This class barrier is then broken at the end of the film when the mystery is solved when we see the musician from the highest apartment down on the bottom floor in Ms. When Doyle entered the room at the beginning of the sequence a hard light was shone on him from stage right. This sequence uses key light, which an extremely bright light shone directly in front of the figure. More importantly, camera levels and angles highlight the gender differences and the increase of female equality. Even though Jeff is in a wheel chair, Hitchcock could have used other lighting techniques to make Jeff appear larger and in a position that was dominant over Lisa, but that wasn't logical during the time period because of the rise of female power. By showing a bit of skin and wearing a form fitting skirt to emphasize her tiny waist, Lisa becomes more attractive to the male population. Lighting techniques are also a large part of revealing gender differences. Because Doyle is a well known detective in the area, and Jeff is an immobile photographer the emphasis of his power over Jeff within the class system is evident. Shadows are cast on his face creating a harsher, more masculine look, typical of most males. Within the setting of the apartments, the sculpturer was on the bottom floor, placing her in the lower class with the low income she receives from her occupation. For instance, if a director wanted to put focus on a specific aspect of the film he would make it brighter than the rest of the objects, as the human eye is attracted to the brightest image first. Camera angles also assisted in supporting this theme.
Common topics in this essay:
Lisa Doyle,
Alfred Hitchcock,
Wherever Doyle,
Ms Torso,
Ms Lonelyheart's,
Rear Window,
camera angles,
gender differences,
class conflict,
lighting techniques,
light shone,
stratified society,
bottom floor,
twentieth century,
class barrier,
sequence analysis,
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Acceptance Essays
