Female Roles In Rear Window By Alfred Hitchcock

In the mid 20th century the traditionalist opinion about the role of women in society was still rampant. Women were supposed to take a subservient role in society and were dependent on men. However, it seems as though Alfred Hitchcock wanted to help end this view by creating strong female characters. In his film “Rear Window,” Hitchcock presents a strong female character in the form of Stella, the nurse to the main character L.B. Jeffries. The relationship between Stella and Jeffries portrays the advancement of the gender norms and shows how women evolved from a subservient role to a role of power.
Alfred Hitchcock uses Stella’s use of Jeffries’s camera to portray the evolving gender roles. In the beginning of the movie, Stella is starting …show more content…
Stella is Jeffries’ nurse from him insurance company to help him heal from his broken leg. This immediately establishes a relationship of dependence. Jeffries is in a vulnerable situation and requires the assistance of Stella to help him heal. Stella’s position compared to Jeffries when she is treating him portrays this dependence. When Stella is simply discussing the relationship between Jeffries and Lisa, she is generally standing behind of next to Jeffries and it seems as though Jeffries has the power in those scenarios. However when Stella is nursing Jeffries and rubbing alcohol over his back, she stands over Jeffries and is clearly in control of the situation. Jeffries is powerless compared to Stella. Stella uses this power when she is being a nurse to give herself confidence. She even says, “Aw, it gives your system something to fight against,” when Jeffries shivers because she poured cold alcohol on his back. The gender roles are completely reversed in this situation. Stella is acting as the more dominant figure while Jeffries is the one complaining in a feminine manner. The fact that when Stella is in a more dominant role, Jeffries immediately resorts into more feminine mannerisms, such as his complaining, suggests how deeply engrained gender norms are in society. When a female …show more content…
Stella begins as just a nurse, but eventually becomes an integral part of the investigation. She goes from a traditionally females job, nursing, and helps out with a traditionally masculine job, detective work. Additionally, once she becomes a part of the investigation, she takes the more dominant role compared to Jeffries. Jeffries wants to be more passive, including not wanting Lisa to go into Mr. Thorwald’s apartment. Also, when speaking to Stella, Jeffries begins to sounds unsure of himself and begins to have a slight stutter in his voice. He also begins to fidget slightly in his wheelchair, which demonstrates a sense of discomfort. This is very different from the mannerisms of Stella. Stella speaks in a strong manner and seems very sure of her role. She speaks with her head raised and noticeably taller than Jeffries sitting in the wheelchair. When Stella speaks towards the end of the film, she may start speaking in the background, but always ends up towards the foreground of scene, sometimes even more in the center of the shot compared to Jeffries. It is Stella who is the strong character in the relationship. The evolution of Stella’s characterization, demonstrated by her changing role, tries to break down some of the barriers between men and women. Women are now using the dominance that once defined masculinity as