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
Finally within gender differences, certain elements of cinematography also contribute to the continuation of this theme. More importantly, camera levels and angles highlight the gender differences and the increase of female equality. For example, when Lisa is in the room, the camera level is centered in the middle and angled down a bit. 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. 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. Lisa depicts the "perfect woman" as society dictates. She is blonde, beautiful, successful, self-sufficient, and wears stylish clothes to flaunt her success. In this sequence, Lisa is wearing an outfit which is slightly revealing, yet conservative. 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. In a man's eye, a woman should be attractive and sexy. Yet by wearing pastel greens and pearls Lisa is now seen as a delicate and dainty woman, which fits the stereotype of how women should act. Doyle on the other hand, depicts a typical male. In society, a successful man is imagined to be donning a suit, and that is exactly what Doyle is wearing in this sequence. The suit he is wearing is also a dark blue colour which would remind one of the bold and striking character of a man. Thus, the use of costume design assigns characters to their stereotypical gender role. stratified society as it was in 1954. Males and females had to stick within their gender roles and act and dress in the manner that society deemed proper. People with di
Some common words found in the essay are:
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,
Approximate Word count = 1299
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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