Rear Window, opening sequence analysis

Rear window is a thriller film starring James Stewart and Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

0:28: This shot displaying the words 'JAMES STERWART IN' instantly and clearly tells the viewer that James Stewart is the star of the film or at least the main character. This is emphasised by how the size of the title coveres most of the frame.

1:29: The music being used is a sort of light up beat jazz, and it picks up and sort of climax's as Alfred Hitchcock's name appears on the screen. This could be coincidens but it could also be a very deliberate feature Hitchcock has added to the film to emphasise his 'greatness' or significance in the film. The most likely of the two possiblilties in my opinion is that it was a deliberate feature as Hitchcock was notorious for having a big ego, this is supported by the fact he made a number of cameo's appearing in many of his own films.

1:40: Following a zoom out of the window it suggests to viewer that the things that are a direct view out of the window bear alot or atleast some significance to the plot. This also intrigues the viewer as they are waiting to know who's behind the window and from who's perspective.

1:54: This shot is mid way through the camera moving to reveal the rest of the courtyard as seen breifly out of the window in the previous shot. This then fully establishes the courtyard to the viewer ensuring no confusion as to where things may occur here. It also fully cements the idea that this courtyard will be hugely significant to the plot.

 2:20: In this close up of James Stewart it shows him sleeping by his window. He has a layer of sweat on his forehead. This suggests it is very hot or humid.

2:22: In this shot it shows a thermometer at just over the 90 degrees mark confirming the viewers belief that it is very hot.

3:29: A pan from the the main characters face to his leg in a cast displays the words 'Here lie the broken bones of L.B.Jefferies.' This tells the audience that the main characters leg is broken, this means a number of things.It tells us that he has limited mobility as he cannot walk, which may mean he bound to his wheel chair and cannot leave the room easily.

4:44: In this shot he has just finished speaking about how he is getting his leg cast is coming off in a week as a man has rang him asking him about getting his cast off. "No wrong week, next wednesday I emerge from this plaster cacoon" this tells us that he will be in the cast for atleast another week. This means that he will be in his room by the 'rear window' for quite some time.