“Rear Window”- The Gaze

There is no better film than “Rear Window” that comes to mind when thinking of films that demonstrate every aspect of The Gaze. The Gaze is used in films to show purpose in the objects/people that are being viewed. The original idea or concept of gaze, proposed by Laura Mulvey is the Male Gaze which is the view which women are objectified by women. An example of the Male Gaze is how Jeffries looks at Lisa and Miss Torso. It is also an example of the Editorial gaze as well. The lighting is manipulated and gets a bit softer and brighter, but more defining on the women so that the audience can really get a look at their feminine and pretty appearance. Those two characters are extremely objectified in this film and it proves a point in Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze concept. The Director’s/Camera’s gaze is definitely what this film is all about though. This specific gaze is used to create meaning. Every gaze, or camera view, is important in this film because the story basically tells itself, just from watching the other tenants. The Director’s/Camera’s gaze really puts purpose behind each and every camera view because the views tell each tenant’s personal story. The film is also closely related to the concept of voyeurism. There is no way the film could have been shot without the voyeuristic characteristic, but it does a good job taking the focus away from the fact that the main character is a “peeping tom” and really focuses on the tenants and the unfolding story. Alfred Hitchcock did a splendid job.