This piece brings up an interesting point regarding voyeurism. I never thought of the idea of receiving pleasure from watching someone without them knowing; the idea of looking through a lens or a window into someone else’s life can give someone a sense of control for the voyeur, and at the same time give a sense of insecurity for the person being watched on. Rear Window uses the courtyard as a common ground for neighbours to freely interact with one another; it’s supposed to give a sense of safety and warmth as everyone is super friendly with one another. However, once people go back into the comfort of their own homes, their behaviour changes. They no longer are the warm-welcoming neighbours; they show their true selves when they feel no one can see them. This isn’t the case of course as the main character of the film watches every one of them through the window. It’s ironic how they warm and welcoming outside their home’s and cold once inside.
Brian Mikael Cheng, 3035929891
You have made a good summary of the film Rear Window. Regarding your point of having contrasting behaviours between in and out of home, do you think this is true in reality? How would you link this to voyeurism?