Shot-by-Shot Technical Analysis: Rear Window (Hitchcock, 1954) Up The Stairs

(0:00 - 2:37)

 

Duration: 48secs

Technique: A tense shot in which for the whole duration James Stewart's face is framed in close-up, the camera zooms in slightly. After a crash disrupts the peaceful sound of cars driving Stewart slowly turns his head, as the whole of his face obscures the camera cuts to the nest shot.

 

Duration: 3secs

Technique: A static POV shot from Stewart's perspective of the dark room. The only light source we see is the light coming in from under the door.

 

Duration: 19secs

Technique: Back to Stewart with a mid-shot of his character, L.B. Jefferies, looking over his should. The camera stays static whilst Stewart spins his wheelchair towards the door.

 

Duration: 1 second

Technique: The same POV shot looking at the door.

 

Duration: 17secs

Technique: The shot begins with a long-shot of Stewart on his wheelchair as he attempts to find somewhere to hide. As he moves forward the camera pans left as well as pedding up smoothly, this gives the audience a clear view of the crammed apartment.

 

Duration: 8secs

Technique: Mid-shot head on with Stewart as he moves his wheelchair back, the camera follows his movements extremely subtly with a tiny pan left, as he begins to climb out of his wheelchair the camera tracks his movement.

 

Duration: 7secs

Technique: Mid-shot of Stewart as he stands, his face is obscured by a shadow, allowing the audience to only view his torso. As he sits back down in his chair the camera tracks

 

Duration: 2secs

Technique: POV looking at the bottom of the door. The bright light suddenly cuts out.

 

Duration: 22secs

Technique: Back to the mid-shot of Stewart as he starts backing away from the door. The camera pans slowly with Stewart.

 

Duration: 3secs

Technique: A close-up of the camera flash Stewart found laying on his lap as he grabs a pack of light bulbs.

 

Duration: 11secs

Technique: Back to the mid-shot as Stewart backs his wheelchair further away, camera still tracking, into the dark area of his apartment by the window.

 

Duration: 2secs

Technique: Another POV looking towards the door, however we cannot see the door as the light source has now been turned off.

 

Duration: 2secs

Technique: Mid-shot of Stewart looking concerned and helpless.

 

Duration: 11secs

Technique: The whole screen is black until the door starts opening, Thorwald walks through the door in mid-shot, he is in silhouette until he walks into the light, which only illuminates his eyes.