Hitchcock’s classic masterpiece is still as enjoyable today as it ever was. James Stewart plays Jeff, a career photographer who has travelled far and wide, but now finds himself confined to a wheelchair after an accident. As he idles away his time, spying on his neighbours with a pair of binoculars, girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter) try their best to keep his spirits up and heart afloat.
The opening sequences of the movie are exceptional, showing off some ingenious direction on Hitchcock’s part, making the most of the confined surroundings
and heightening the lead character’s isolation and perspective from where he sits idle. There’s some terrific character building with Lisa’s introduction in particular a stand out scene that very swiftly establishes both her personality and relationship with lover Jeff.
Thelma Ritter is great as the sharp tongued and thrifty Stella who puts Jeff to rights more often than not and offers a voice of reason, but ultimately its Stewart who shines in his lead role as the wheelchair bound hero of the piece.
As he continues to sit idly, spending his hours spying on ...