How Did Alfred Hitchcock Build Suspense In Rear Window
942 Words4 Pages
Caroline Loomis
Mrs. Carson
Composition
15 May 2015
Rear Window Film Analysis Alfred Hitchcock has been called the ‘master of suspense’ for decades due to his legendary use of several different suspense techniques. To fully understand Hitchcock's strategies, one must first have a good grasp on the meaning of suspense itself. Suspense is so much more than just a brief emotion or feeling about an impending event. While feeling true suspense is an exhilarating rollercoaster in its own, Hitchcock would say that creating that thrilling roller coaster for his audience is the ultimate ride for him. Possibly one of Hitchcock’s best rides is his 1954 film, Rear Window. Rear Window verifies and honors Hitchcock’s title of being the ‘master of suspense’ and created a recognizable outline that is still used in films today to create suspense.…show more content… While the dictionary gives a basic definition of suspense, perhaps the most credible rendering of the term, is in Alfred’s terms. Hitchcock heavily reiterated the difference between suspense and surprise, as proven in numerous different interviews and quotes. In an interview Hitchcock said, “Suspense, I take it, is the stretching out of an anticipation. In the usual form of suspense it is indispensable that the public be made aware of all the facts involved. Otherwise, there is no suspense. To my way of thinking, mystery is seldom suspenseful and fear depends upon the intensity of the public’s identification with the person who is in danger.” (Hitchcock, Alfred. Interview by Francois Truffaunt.) Specifically in Rear Window, the audience can see where his definition plays a role in how Hitchcock created the tension in the film. A specific example is the character, Lisa Carol Fremont, who is played by Grace Kelly. As Alfred said above, if the viewers are more emotionally