Humankind has explored the relationships between people and their different dynamics through fiction for centuries. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film, ‘Rear Window’, is no exception. Hitchcock directs the film to display multiple and dynamic relationships throughout life. As it highlights the varying connections between lovers, neighbours and friends, viewers are reminded of the 50s normality of gender roles, the feeling of community and isolation, and marriage.
Rear Window tackles the restraints of gender roles in the 50s and explores the toxic masculinity displayed when women are empowered. Hitchcock emphasises this through the couple Jeff and Lisa, who are consistently in disagreement. “Let’s face it, Lisa… you aren’t made for that kind of life. Few people are.” This is said to reiterate the fact that Jeff believes Lisa, because she is a woman, should not and is not cut out for his line of work. Lisa is, however, adamant to prove him wrong. The 50s were a time when women were considered less skilled in fields of work. During the war, however, women took up many jobs that men were in. Once the men came back, their masculinity was threatened by the rising era of women working.
…show more content…
Jeff is a main contributor to the fact, aside from his broken leg, we don’t see him interacting with the community other than spying on them. His interactions are only true with two characters, Lisa and Stella. Miss Lonelyhearts dinner for two and the Mr Thorwalds closed-off nature. “You don’t know the meaning of the word “neighbour”.” This moment, when the dog is killed, shows the neighbours as they watch, onlook, but don’t do anything. This is what Hitchcock wants to show. Even though they are neighbours, they do nothing but watch each other as events unfold and rarely do anything about it. Community and the feeling of isolation are reminders of the relationship that neighbours have with each