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Created Nov 13, 2011 06:13PM PST • Edited Nov 13, 2011 06:13PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Perfect 5.0

   Brilliant acting from Jimmy Stewart, along with a state-of-the-art set, and artful direction, helps make Rear Window a masterpiece.

   Stewart plays Jeff, a photographer confined to a wheelchair while he recovers from a broken leg. With limited means of mobility, he relies on watching his neighbors from his window. Through binoculars, he introduces us to a cross-section of society, including a lonely spinstress, newlyweds, a music-writing bachelor, a young dancer, and a jewelry salesman. Through this voyeuristic world, Jeff witnesses activity that makes him think a murder may have occurred. But did it really, or is he just the victim over an over-imagination?

   Director Alfred Hitchcock does a masterful job in creating intrigue, suspense, and mystery, without resulting in gruesome imagery. You feel the sense of wonderment and shame that Jeff feels as he knowingly invades others lives, and become attached to the characters he watches, as they are silent, but important parts of his life.

   Although the action is told almost entirely in Jeff’s apartment, it’s the creative set design and use of camera angles that elevates this story to perfection. Hitchcock’s attention to details creates a world of fascination, and a wonderful treat for the viewer.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

   Jimmy Stewart turns in a masterful job in his role as the injured photographer, balancing just the right amount of likeability, with vulnerability and humor.

6. Female Stars Perfect 5.0

   Grace Kelly is absolutely incredible in her role as Lisa, the girlfriend of Jeff. Heart-stopping beauty, with a sweetness that makes her incredibly effective as the contrast to the dreary life-style that Jeff leads.

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

   Thelma Ritter is an absolute gem as the nurse assigned to help take care of Jeff. Sharp, witty, and a nicematernal contrast to the sweetness of Grace Kelly.

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

   Wendell Corey is ok, but a bit too wooden in his role as a reluctant detective.

   Raymond Burr has very few lines, but manages to jump off the screen with his non-verbals, coupled with great cinematography.

10. Film

    Perfect 5.0

11. Direction Perfect 5.0

    This is easily my favorite Hitchcock film, showcasing many of the aforementioned cinema treats that make him so special. A classic example of the master-story teller at his best.

12. Play Perfect 5.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Perfect 5.0

    The creative full-size apartment complex, built inside a studio sound stage that needed a floor removed to accommodate all three stories of the central apartment, highlights an impressive visual treat of a film. The apartments themselves become an important part of the narrative in this film.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.4

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

    No nudity, but a scene where a woman in forced to kick a man out after he tries to take advantage of her.

18. Violence Gentle 1.4

19. Rudeness Polite 1.3

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0