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Should Jeff be considered the hero of the film? (Whilst Jeff is an…
Should
Jeff be
considered
the
hero
of the film?
Jeff's voyeuristic tendencies and perseverance result in the serving of justice. (1)
Without Jeff watching his neighbours thorwald's murder and Miss Lonelyhearts near suicide would have gone unnoticed
continues despite warnings of others not to, sees warning signs (red and orange light) and chooses not to inform police but to continue to solve the puzzle
carnival style music
irony is Stella's assertion at beginning that voyeurism is actually illegal --> this places his actions throughout within this context
Whilst Jeff is an immobilised observer of the investigation, Hitchcock highlights that the true heroic actions are those of his socialite girlfriend Lisa. (3)
whilst Jeff is in wheelchair, Lisa always depicted towering above him - symbolic of superior morality
Jeff can't do anything that physically changes whats happening in murder, Lisa puts herself in physical danger
normally heroes face danger
high heels and long dress further enforce her bravery as this makes it more difficult
Jeff does not change to suit Lisa at the end of the film but rather she adapts to suit his life style
forced to become an exhibitionist to impress her love for jeff upon him --> lights on one by one
Hitchcock illuminates the heroism of individuals who have the capacity to overcome social barriers.
happy family - only people in apartment seen to be happy do this by overcoming social barriers
the sifleuse is courageous in exacting hitchcock's commentary on society
1950's mccarthyism context - Hitchcock inserts his own subliminal messages through characters to avoid being reprimanded in real world
one of 2 shots which are presented from outside Jeff's apartment, this makes it more objective.
Sculptress breaks norms by interacting with postman and other neighbours - overcomes feeling of emptiness symbolised by 'hunger' and seeks out relationships
often repercussions that result from involving selves in lives of others - Thorwald scorns Sculptress for offering advice, Jeff is physically hurt by Thorwald
Jeff's facade based judgement of individuals is condemned by Hitchcock as immoral. (2)
Labels people based on stereotypes
Miss Lonely hearts, Miss Torso
mostly labels women --> Hitchcock implies necessity of changing and evolving gender roles
listing of appliances at start of film give context to this
Jeff's confined to feminine domain and feels emasculated
Miss Lonelyhearts' green dress - her envy and desperation for relationships
develops a superiority complex despite looking into the private lives of others (laughs at the couple with the dog when trying to bring in mattress, trivialises Miss Lonelyhearts' suffering by raising glass)
Although Jeff's voyeuristic activities result in Thorwald's incarceration, Hitchcock asserts that the true heroism in the film is that of others in his community.