Research : Analysing an Opening Sequence 2

 

By the cinematography and mise-en-scene in the opening scene of Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock, voyeurism is established as a significant subject, indicating the movie is identity. The main character, L.B. Jeffries, is implied to be nosy and invasive using wide-angle shots and slow panning cinematography methods. Also, the clip's mise-en-scene frequently incorporates photographic elements, emphasising the film's  nature and voyeurism concept.

The courtyard and apartments are the only locations in the movie. The fixed camera position inside the apartment and cinematography that depicts an observer looking out into the courtyard highlight the voyeuristic element of the movie. Minor characters are also presented through this gaze; everyone is portrayed as a different type, representing a range of people in one location. 

The opening emphasises the protagonist's way of life. As the camera moves back to Jeffries' flat, viewers get another chance to get to know the main character. In the 1954 Hitchcock film, "Here lie the broken bones of L. B. Jefferies," a shot of Jeff's cast portrays him as hilarious and pathetic of himself. Because of his injured leg and his broken camera, the character is meant to evoke sympathy in viewers.

The humorous diegetic radio advertising reinforces the narrative by describing the listener's condition as being "over forty," "fatigued," and "run down".  Moreover, diegetic sounds like birds, vehicles, and alarm clocks give the scene a realistic, urban feel. These sounds strengthen the opening's realism and establish it as the narrative's focus.

The demolished props initially inspire feelings of mystery, leaving audiences wondering what happened, but the pictures on the wall offer explanations. Jeffries' line of work is voyeurism; he is a photographer who specialises in dangerous events, as seen in pictures of a racing accident and a fight. It is likely that he injured his leg and broke his camera while working.