The
still above from the film Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock is a visual
representation of the many conclusions viewers can draw from the aforementioned
film. Viewers are provided with the story of L.B. Jeffries, a man doomed to an
unfortunate fate of being trapped in a wheelchair. The only activity he is now
able to find pleasure in is observing the lives of his neighbors through his
rear window. This scenario allows for an abundance of point of view shots. In
turn, this makes those watching the film feel as if they are not only witnessing
the main character indulge in this forbidden activity, but as if they are doing
so as well. This still has much meaning as it largely represents the majority
of Rear Window. Just by glancing at the image, different people can be seen
within their homes engaging in various activities. While most would deem such a thing to be private, Rear Window seems to suggest that voyeurism can be used for good (if gone about in the right way, that is).
During L.B.'s adventures in people watching, in each of his neighbors there is something to be learned and, most likely, related to
by the viewer. Will they see themselves in the newly-weds, madly in love and still
in their honeymoon stage? Perhaps the dancer who seeks to find love with man
after man, only to discover she’d had a lover had simply been away all along?
Maybe Miss Lonely Heart, all by herself with no one to love and respect her –
that is, until she takes the initiative to find someone by herself. The dynamic
that each of these characters has with one another as neighbors is noteworthy.
It says something about humans and human interaction: it is both peculiar all
while entertaining, explaining why Jeffries is so intrigued. Each of these
lives would carry on whether he was there to witness it or not: life is bigger
than him and does not revolve around him. With that said, his interfering with
the lives he observes affects each of his neighbors in a different manner. So,
in that regard, that suggests that while life may not be all about Jeffries nor
his companions Lisa and Stella, his actions do affect others. In this sense his
intentions are good and justice is rightfully served.
While this is so, it is horrifying to think what the outcome would have been had Jeffries been incorrect about Thorwald. Instinct is largely present within the film, although logic and reasoning are also used by characters in order to draw seemingly reasonable conclusions. This film raises the moral dilemma of witnessing something one shouldn't have and knowing it is not right, but not knowing whether or not to say something due to feeling it is "none of their business". The main characters struggle with this initially, but then proceed to take the time to do ample amounts of people watching to be certain. They improve the lives of others in the process and all is well by the end of the film, showing that Jeffries' indulging in such an act was used purely for good and not to ruin the many different lives shown within the still.
