Review: Rear Window

Rhianne here with a review of one of my favourite films, Rear Window.



Rear Window is a classic film by the great Alfred Hitchcock. Based on a short story by Cornell Woolrich, Hitchcock has made(yet again) a brilliant thriller, that never fails to lose suspense.

In the film, we follow L.B "Jeff" Jeffries(James Stewart) who has broken his leg and is forced to remain in his apartment as he is confined to a wheelchair. With having nothing to do, he watches the dramas that his neighbours face, leading to the shocking discovery that one of them has committed a terrible crime. Jeff believes that Lars Thorwald(Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife, and ropes in his girlfriend Lisa(Grace Kelly) and his nurse Stella(Thelma Ritter) to assist him, letting a mystery unravels across the courtyard...

The setting of this film has a big part to play in making the film what it is. It is based in Jeff's apartment and a courtyard, similar to the setting of Rope, which I think adds to the suspense of being so close to a man that could be a killer. The amount of drama that is created as a result of looking at your neighbours activities is utterly brilliant. It may seem like it is a ridiculous idea but Hitchcock builds up on this throughout the film, unmasking what turns out to be a horrible nightmare. With such a simple setting, Hitchcock allows the audience to learn a little about each of the neighbours at the very beginning of the film as they feature throughout it, referring to them with nicknames like Miss Lonelyhearts and Miss Torso.

James Stewart turns in a fantastic performance as the wheelchair bound photographer. He portrays him effortlessly, and is so captivating as he tries desperately to convince those around him about the murder across the courtyard. Stewart allows the audience to engage with his character and wins us over with one of his best performances. His girlfriend is played by the stunning Grace Kelly, who is a great addition to the film. She fits the part perfectly and I couldn't have imagined anyone else playing it as well as her. Thelma Ritter is also brilliant as Jeff's nurse Stella, as she adds some humour to the story. The accused murderer is played by Raymond Burr, who plays his part very well. He is totally believable, as his facial expressions alone are really terrifying, if looks could kill...

As the film reaches a climax, Hitchcock turns up the suspense and creates one of the most unforgettable scenes in film history. Jeff comes face to face with Lars Thorwald, and it is obvious from the events that have taken place, that the problem will not be solved easily. Filmed in colour, this plays an important part in these scenes as it gives a better and more shocking impact. Hitchcock has managed to entice the audience as it leads up to the gripping and spectacular finale. Finishing with an overview of the courtyard, he lets us say goodbye to the characters we have seen, and rounds of the film perfectly.

A truly thrilling film from the master of suspense, that will always be remembered. It is a perfect example of why Hitchcock is so highly regarded in the world of film. Even today, the famous storyline is never forgotten, and has even been used in The Simpsons. There is never a dull moment whilst watching this film and I recommend it to anyone who loves film as it is a true classic. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the small appearance that Hitchcock makes in all his films! Will you be able to spot the man himself?

Review: Attack the Block

Jessie here with a review of the brilliantly funny sci-fi film, Attack the Block.

You may think you've seen the 'alien invasion' genre done in every possible way, until you've seen it done on a South London council estate. Not many alien invasion films begin with the invader being beaten up by a gang of teenagers with a penchant for petty crime, but Attack the Block does, and it does it brilliantly.

"What kind of alien would invade some council estate in South London?
"One that's looking for a fight!"

And yet, the film manages to make its bizarre premise so convincing that we are immediately absorbed in the action. When hundreds more meterorites containing revenge-fueled aliens drop from the sky, we are right behind the gang in their quest to 'defend their block'.

Director Joe Cornish has commented on how inspired he was by the sci-fi look of urban housing estates. He captures this perfectly: the gritty underpasses and long dark corridors of the block are ideal for the creation of a creepy and ominous atmosphere. However, the film is also a fantastic comedy, balancing out the thrills with laughter. The funniest character for me was 'Brewin', played flawlessly by Luke Treadaway, who perfectly encapsulates the "posh stoner" role (being out-of-place and completely high during an alien invasion is just inherently funny).

The cast of unknowns each deliver excellent performances, and the chemistry between them is palpable. At first, their characters seem mean and menacing, and when they mug a nurse at knifepoint, we aren't exactly sympathetic towards them. However, throughout the film, each character becomes funnier, smarter and more human, and we can't help but relate. By the end of the film, the group of delinquents become trusty, brave and ultimately heroic.

This is where the film's social commentary lies. We soon discover that the teens first portrayed as the typical 'threatening youths' are in fact just disadvantaged children doing the best with what they have. In a particularly poignant moment, it is revealed that the tough leader of the gang, Moses, is only fifteen, living in a neglected household. Although the film sometimes hammers in this "actually good kids" message slightly too hard, it is still a positive response to an often negative portrayal of young people.

Attack the Block is a solid, fun film which despite its high-concept, never feels like a parody. It's a cinematic, energetic adventure which deserves a firm place in the sci-fi genre. Highly recommended, blud.

Attack the Block is screening at DCA until the end of May.

Hanna Review

 

Hanna (2011)

Dir: Joe Wright

12A

 

Hey it’s Rachel here!!!! I recently went to see the film Hanna, which is showing at the DCA at the end of May. Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is 16-years-old and has been brought up in the wilderness of North Finland by her father Erik (Eric Bana). She is not living a normal teenage life though; she is training to be an assassin. You might expect her to be quite weak, as she is only a teenage girl, and not have the upper hand against a dozen soldiers, but she does!!!!!!!! There is only one reason why Hanna has been training to be an assassin and that is to kill CIA agent, Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett). You slowly realise why there is a feud between Marissa and Hanna’s family. Hanna and her father set off on different paths to find Marissa, but they promise to meet each other in Berlin. But to find out if they do you’re just going to have to go and see the movie. I personally thought Hanna was a very weird movie as you don’t see a 16-year-old girl assassin everyday, but I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed the film!!!! I also thought that Saoirse Ronan’s played her part really well. And there is a very good soundtrack from The Chemical Brothers!!!! I’d recommend this movie to anyone that likes Kickass and anyone who loves to sit down and watch an action movie!!!!

By Rachel Lonie =) 

Hanna is screening at DCA from the 27th of May to the 2nd of June. http://www.dca.org.uk/