I found real enjoyment when I watched Rear Window for the first time. For a film first released in 1954, I found the aspects of humour and narrative to be timeless and, for that, I give Hitchcock his flowers. That being said, you’d do well to find a film that better proves Laura Mulvey’s ‘Male Gaze’ theory. In the film, we follow (and literally see) the perspective of L.B. Jefferies, or Jeff, a photographer recovering from a broken leg. As a consequence of his injury, he is in a wheelchair and bound to his apartment. Passing the time, he takes interest in the everyday lives of his neighbours, watching them through their windows – taking the term ‘Male Gaze’ to a whole new level.

Rear Window, letterboxd.com, https://letterboxd.com/film/rear-window/ <29/04/24>

Take, for example, very early on in the film. We see a shot from Jeff’s perspective of a dancer nicknamed “Miss Torso” bending over and, quite frankly, I could rest my case here. I also found out however that the actress, Georgine Darcy, was only paid $350 for her troubles. Granted, this was worth a fair bit more at the time but is only the equivalent of about $4000 today. A severe underpay, I hope we can agree.

And proof, that the Male Gaze is a product of the patriarchy which in many ways remains prevalent in contemporary society.