Rear Window is one of the great movies of the 20th century. Suspenseful, humorous, inventive, and skillfully manipulative; it’s the best of what Alfred Hitchcock had to offer at his height. It is less remembered for the brilliance of its sprightly script by noir master Cornell Woolrich.
James Duncan of Writer’s Digest teases a half-dozen writing lessons from Woolrich’s script:
1. When in Doubt, Cast Doubt
2. Pile on the Doubt With Doubters
3. Trick-or-Trait!
4. All Five Senses Builds a Fine Atmosphere
5. Location, Location, Location!
6. Juxtaposition is SO Romantic
Not sure how to make these work in practice? Just go watch the movie again. You’re welcome.
Chris Barsanti 