Rear Window shows us that relationships are not always easy
Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock is a 1954 film primarily about proving a suspected murder, but the recurring motif of relationships is evident within the plot. The direction of the film revolves around Jeffries negative outlook on marriage. The foundation of Jeffries suspicion of Mr. Thorwald is built upon Jeffries predisposition to believe marriages always end negatively. The individual stories seen through the windows in the courtyard are all a manifestation of Jeffries potential romantic futures. We emphasise with Jeffries relationship difficulties because we are manipulated throughout the movie to do so.
The foundation of Jeffries suspicion of Mr Thorwald is built upon his predisposition to believe relationships never end well. Throughout the film we are presented with an indication to Jeffries perception of Marriage. These, far from positives, outlooks influence Jeffries to assume that Mr Thorwald could not possibly have a peaceful separation with his wife, and that a murder must have been committed. This is demonstrated whilst discussing the future of Miss Lonely Hearts, Stella presents that she will some day find happiness in a man, and Jeffries rebuts by saying, ‘and that man will lose his [happiness]'. This gives us a glimpse into Jeffries mind. It is difficult for Jeffries to remain unbiased with a propensity to assume the worst in the Thorwalds relationship.
The individual stories seen through the windows in the courtyard are all a manifestation of Jeffries possible romantic futures. Hitchcock presents us with various scenarios of Jeffries relationship future. Each of them plays a role in the film whilst subtly providing a relationship guide for Jeffries. He is thinking about his future relationship with Lisa and what he should do. If he marries her, he could end up like the happily married couple or like the fighting Thorwalds. If he leaves Lisa he could end up