Rear Window discussion

1.) How did LB Jefferies break his leg?

Jefferies broke his leg, the first time, trying to get the perfect shot of some kind of racing meet. I'm assuming he was standing at the finish line and was not able to get out of the way in time. But he got the shot, so it was worth it I suppose.

2.) What is the significance of always being in Jefferies’ window?

Being that his entire career is about getting the perfect shot, he's practically always peering into other people's lives through his on lens. I think by framing the story this way it asks the question about perception of other people's lives. From what he's able to see of people's home life he begins to make assumptions about their lives whether they're true or not.

3.) Would Jeffries have caught Lars if he wasn’t injured and in his wheelchair? Why or why not?

I dont think he would have. As a man who practically devotes his live to his work, I doubt he would stay at home for anything besides sleeping. Because he was stuck at home unable to go anywhere, he used the only form of entertainment he had to pass the time. People watching, which led to him noticing some intricate things about the lives of the neighbors.

4.) How would your perception of the story change if the camera moved without Jeffries? In other words, if we saw more of the action without seeing through Jeffries' lens, what might change?

I think the dramatic irony would've made the climax of the story less impactful. We spend the latter half of the movie with the back and forth between jeffereis and the detective. The detective brings rational thought to the situation that causes even Jeffereies to doubt himself. If we already knew more information about what happened, I think the confirmation that they were right all along wouldn't be so compelling.

5.) How does the movie portray social norms and gender roles in the 50s?

It has many depictions of female gender norms via different characters. Ms. Torso and Ms. Lonelyheart are two aspects that portray what it means to "be a woman" with their own struggles being shown differently. Another thing the movie seems to talk about is that wifes always nag. This is shown with the new couple that moved, any time the husband appears at the window he is being called back into the room. As for male social norms, It seems that the men go to work and come home to their Wife. The other example we see is the pianist, who is almost shown having parties all the time but then later seemingly struggling financially despite appearances. Pushing that men should only show emotions within the confines of their home and when they're alone

6.) Why doesn’t Jeffries want to marry Lisa?

In his words, she's "too perfect" and he needs someone who is adventurous and could live in one suitcase

7.) Why does Lisa change her views about Jeffries peering through the window? When? What is happening to make her buy in to the investigation?

I dont remember the scene completely but she was talking to Jefferies and she wasn't buying into his story, but as she was peering out the window, she saw something. She comments that what the detective is claiming wouldn't make sense because there are certain things that women just don't do/leave at home even if they're going on a "trip"

8.) What does this film suggest about the actions we take when we love someone?

Sometimes you may have to sacrifice parts of yourself to be with the one that you love.

9.) Why does no one notice seem to notice Jeffries looking out the window?

This was something I also thinking about, only thing I can think of is that he was in a higher apartment. Most people don't look up when they're living their lives. That said I think everyone was busy living their own lives that they weren't watching the rest of those around them.

10.) If the method (of looking out the window at people) is unethical, but the means (of finding a killer) is ethical, is it morally right? What does the film suggest as an answer?

I think the film approaches this question of morality by focusing on intention rather than the action itself. Jefferies became aware of this dilemma, and I think having a second thought about the actions one is taking and why they feel like they are taking them is where morality lies.