"Rear Window" is a classic thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, released in 1954. The film is based on Cornell Woolrich's short story "It Had to Be Murder." James Stewart stars as L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies, a photographer with a broken leg, and Grace Kelly as Lisa Fremont, his girlfriend.
The story unfolds in a Greenwich Village apartment complex where Jeff is confined to a wheelchair due to his injury. With nothing to do but observe his neighbors from his rear window, he becomes convinced that he has witnessed a murder in a neighboring apartment. Jeff enlists the help of his girlfriend and a nurse (Thelma Ritter) to investigate, leading to a suspenseful and tense narrative.
"Rear Window" is celebrated for its innovative use of confined space, building tension through suspenseful storytelling and Hitchcock's trademark visual style. The film is often cited as one of Hitchcock's masterpieces and a quintessential example of the suspense thriller genre.
It's noteworthy for its exploration of voyeurism, morality, and the consequences of observing private lives. The exceptional performances, Hitchcock's direction, and the screenplay by John Michael Hayes all contribute to the film's enduring reputation as a classic in cinema history.