Rear Window

Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film follows Jeff, a photographer confined at home with a broken leg. To pass the time he watches the neighbours across the courtyard. He comes to suspect one of them has killed his wife. The film is shot almost entirely from a single room; the narrative traps the viewer inside Jeff's gaze and takes up watching itself as its subject. The opposite block was built as one piece on a soundstage. James Stewart and Grace Kelly lead. The camera almost never leaves the apartment. Who it's for: those who like classic thrillers and formally tight films. Who it's not for: viewers looking for fast action; the film is built on looking.