Rear Window
Official release poster
Based on
Written byEric Overmyer
Larry Gross
Directed byJeff Bleckner
Starring
Music byDavid Shire
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
ProducersSheldon Abend
Robert V. Gaulin
CinematographyKen Kelsch
EditorGeoffrey Rowland
Running time89 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseNovember 22, 1998 (1998-11-22)

Rear Window is a 1998 American made-for-television crime-drama thriller film directed by Jeff Bleckner. The teleplay by Larry Gross and Eric Overmyer is an updated adaptation of the classic 1954 film of the same name directed by Alfred Hitchcock which was based on the short story "It Had to Be Murder" by Cornell Woolrich. It was broadcast in the United States by ABC on November 22, 1998. This stars Christopher Reeve (in one of his final screen appearances), Daryl Hannah, and Robert Forster.

Synopsis

Quadriplegic Jason Kemp, a former architect who now uses a wheelchair, relieves the boredom of his daily existence by engaging in voyeurism, a pastime that allows him to spy on his neighbors from the rear window of his apartment. When he witnesses sculptor Julian Thorpe viciously beat his wife Ilene, he reports the incident to 911 and the police remove him from his home. Thorpe is released the following day, and that night Jason Kemp hears a blood-curdling scream from the courtyard. From that moment on, Ilene is missing from her apartment, apparently replaced by another woman. Jason, certain she was murdered by her husband, tries to convince his colleague Claudia, nurse Antonio, and friend Charlie that his suspicion is true. Thorpe slowly comes to the realization that Kemp is fully aware of his crime, and engages him in a deadly game of cat and mouse in an effort to silence him forever.

Cast

Production

Casting

The role of Jason Kemp was the first film for Christopher Reeve following the 1995 Memorial Day fall from horseback riding that left him paralyzed. Scenes detailing his character's rehabilitation were based on his own physical therapy experiences. On the set the actor reached a personal milestone: speaking without being plugged into his ventilator for the first time.[1]

Filming

Rear Window was filmed on location in New York City, at the Burke Rehabilitation Center (where Reeve was being treated) in White Plains, New York, and in two converted Otis Elevator warehouses in Yonkers. Scenes were also shot at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Reception

Critical response

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported that 36% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 5.04/10.[2]

Accolades

Award Category Subject Result
Golden Globe Award Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Christopher Reeve Nominated
Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special David Shire Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie Christopher Reeve Won
Edgar Award Best Television Feature or Miniseries Larry Gross Nominated
Eric Overmyer Nominated
Cornell Woolrich Nominated

See also

References

  1. ↑ Rear Window at ChristopherReeveHomepage.com
  2. ↑ "Rear Window (1998)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
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