35. Watch 20 films that I haven't seen from the "AFI 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary)" list (5/20)
The suspense in Rear Window continues to build throughout the film, eventually coming to a pinnacle near the end when a truly thrilling scene takes place between Jeffries and the suspected murderer. This is in no way a scary film, but my heart was certainly pounding during the climax of the film.
Rear Window is the epitome of a Hitchcock film. You won't find moments that make you jump, gore or scary killers. You will however feel the suspense.
37. Watch 10 films from IMDB's "Top Rated Horror Titles" that I haven't seen (1/10)
My favorite scene which I found a bit chilling was just outside the schoolhouse in town. Melanie and Mitch are waiting to pick up Mitch's young sister from school while we see a few crows land on playground equipment. The camera then begins a series of cutting to the characters, then back to the playground where each subsequent time there are more crows. Eventually the playground is covered in hundreds of crows. Of course they do attack in time, but the build up of the suspense was brilliant. After watching this and Rear Window I am truly impressed with Hitchcock's ability to build suspense. It is an exciting thing to experience.
The film never answers why the birds are attacking, and at first I was a little bummed out about that. I quickly realized however that I prefered it that way, as it leaves the viewer with something to think about.
Overall I enjoyed both Hitchcock films. I look forward to watching more of his films. If you want to watch a good, classic, suspenseful thriller, check out both Rear Window and The Birds. In fact, you could probably watch most of Hitchcock's films and get the same experience, though I'm yet to determine that as fact.