Sequence Analysis Sunset Blvd.

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In Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window the sequence being analyzed begins at 100:31 and it ends at 102:13, putting in consideration the mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound. A quick overview of the sequence: L.B Jefferies is confined to a wheelchair due to an accident, is looking out the window to his neighbor’s apartment across the courtyard. He suspects that the neighbor has committed murder. Jefferies’s girlfriend Lisa Fremont manages to get in the accused apartment in search of the wife’s wedding ring, to prove that Lars Thorwald indeed murdered his wife. Lisa is cornered in the apartment by Thorwald and tries to persuade him so that she can go on her merry way. Thorwald begins to manhandle her and she screams out for Jeff.
This scene begins with a side shot close up of L.B Jefferies (Jeff) looking away from the camera towards the window in a dimly lit apartment. Stella, the insurance company nurse is on his right side clutching onto his shoulder, only from her shoulder to her waist is seen. Her hand is clenched with anxiety close to her chest and the other on Jeff’s shoulder. Her hold tightens on Jeff’s shoulder, bunch his shirt up. Meanwhile, Jeff looks anxious as he looks towards Thorwald’s apartment.
The next shot exhibits Thorwald’s standing in a brightly lit apartment over Lisa who sits on a sofa. Lisa’s back is turned towards the window. Thorwald’s hand is stretched out demanding Lisa to return what belongs to him. The windows are open which allows Jeff and Stella to be able to hear what is going on in the apartment. Another reason, is because of the heat weave occurring at that time period.
The shots switches between Jeff’s apartment and Thorwald’s, showing the events that happens in Thorwald’s place and Jeff...

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...side Joe’s apartment and what is seen outside the window from Joe’s point-of-view.
As the action heightens in the apartment across the courtyard, the duration of the takes of shots becomes shorter and shorter. Moving to Thorwald’s and then cutting to Jeff’s reaction is an affective piece that issues suspense for the viewer. It leaves a person anticipating to see what will happen next. Even Jeff and Stella are anticipated as they too act as an audience.

In this sequence, answers to the question were revealed, whether Thorwald did kill his wife. With evidence from Lisa, finding Mrs. Thorwald’s ring, it is indeed true that Thorwald did murdered his wife. It has also been concluded that Jeff realizes his true feelings for Lisa, when she is put in danger. The stylistic elements used in this sequence helps to heighten anticipation and anxiety in what is about to unfold.

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