July 17th, 2024

​Hello, everyone. I’m Dr. Brian Lauder, doctor of psychology, partner to two wonderful men and movie buff.
My mother, father and I shared a love of old movies. On snowy days at home, we’d sit in the family room with a fire crackling, watching them while eating popcorn and drinking hot apple cider. After, we’d have dinner and discuss them. Those were the most cherished memories of my childhood.
I still watch those old films, much to the dismay of my partners. They aren’t fans, but I think they exaggerate their hatred of them. Many a time I’ll glance over to see tears in their eyes or a triumphant smile when the hero wins the leading lady.
For the first movie I’ll share with you, I’ve chosen Rear Window. It’s got two of my favorite actors, Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. Kelly, who became a real princess, was always one to me. Watching her, her true grace and beauty, gave me my first and only crush on a woman. She was the epitome of style and strength.
Jimmy Stewart, well, who doesn’t love him? That voice and tenacity in all his films make him a special presence in all lives.
To watch this movie, rent on Apple, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Fandango at Home or Google Play.
Now, for my review:
Maybe it’s the gay man in me, but Grace Kelly’s wardrobe in this movie is one of the best of any classic movie, in my humble opinion. It’s part of her character as well, as she is an editor for a fashion magazine and former model. Former, but not retired, as she wears the clothes she features in her magazine to all the fashionable places in New York City.
She’s in love with a photojournalist who travels to exotic places to take captivating pictures. Jimmy Stewart’s character is a globe-trotting adventurer, but who is presently stuck in his NYC apartment with a broken leg.
This is where our movie begins, Jimmy’s character complaining about his leg and how terribly bored he is, unable to go on any adventures.
He has a nurse that comes to help him bathe, dress and who also feeds him, and is involved so into his life that she gives the confirmed bachelor marital advice.
Thought to be a misogynist, condescending to his beautiful girlfriend, I think it’s insecurity that makes him tell her she’d never fit into his life. Her, traveling with him to places where there is no phone or fashion? Where the nights are cold and the days are sweltering hot? The socialite in the desert or high mountains?
She doesn’t care a bit, and I think he knows that she would be fine wherever they were together. Admitting that, however, would force him to admit how much he truly loves her.
In his boredom, he’s taken to staring out of his “rear window” at his neighbors across the courtyard. The dancer with her hourglass figure, constantly surrounded by men vying for her affections. The lovelorn lady that pretends to sup with men to quell her loneliness.
One couple, however, stands out to him. The man is a cranky thing, his wife a seeming invalid. One night, under mysterious circumstances, the woman disappears.
Gathering his nurse and girlfriend into the mystery, Jimmy’s character concocts a theory that the husband has killed his wife. At first, they don’t believe him, but the strong, brave Grace Kelly goes to investigate for herself while her loving boyfriend is unable to do a thing but watch from his wheelchair, binoculars at the ready!
The film has real suspense, mystery, a beautifully angst-ridden love story and dialogue that comes so organically from the two wonderful main actors as well as all the side characters. The picture was well done, the script excellent.
The ending will have you on the edge of your seat.
I won’t give away more than that, but rest assured, no matter the age of this film, it’s enjoyable. What would you do if stuck in your home, unable to leave and your only real entertainment was to watch your neighbors?
My beautiful submissives, Pez and Morgan introduced me to another movie along these lines called Disturbia. I watched it with my partners and their smug faces, and it was enjoyable enough, for a more modern approach to an old classic.
Still, the actors in it were no Jimmy and Grace. No fashion, no real chemistry, but like I said, it was enjoyable enough.
Do yourself a favor and watch Rear Window. I know you won’t be disappointed.
Trigger warning: Murder, mayhem and a little dog perishes.