Alfred Hitchcock. That name for a time needed only be attached to a movie and it would elevate the film to a higher level. Rear Window simply adds to Hitch’s suspenseful throne. This film was ripe with plenty of mise en scene moments, but the one that sticks out most to me is this photo: 
In the photo you see the protagonist, L.B. Jefferies (played by the iconic James Stewart) sitting next to the illustrious Lisa Fremont (played by the ever talented Grace Kelly). Jefferies is focused on the window adjacent to him that acts as his vantage point to the neighbor across the way. The audience can tell that Jefferies is fixated on something and they can also tell that Lisa is fixated too, on Jefferies. Behind the pair there is a window with the shade drawn. Behind the shade is a enamored couple and placing this behind the two acts as foreshadowing for their outcome at the end of the film.
Rear Window lives up to Hitchcock’s natural talent for suspense and keeps the film just at the tipping to keep the audience engaged. When the ending comes, it definitely shocks the viewer despite being obvious from the get-go.
9/10. Acting in it is very well chosen, but the variety of mise en scene is what propels the film forward.
Zachary Dalton and Reviews 