The celebrated Alfred Hitchcock thriller Rear Window boasts meticulous detail, but even masterpieces are not immune to the occasional slip-up. The primary film flub involving Jimmy Stewart concerns the inconsistent appearance and disappearance of his character L.B. “Jeff” Jeffries’ leg cast throughout various scenes.
The Cast That Wasn’t Always There
The narrative crux of Rear Window is Jeffries’ forced immobility after breaking his leg. He’s confined to a wheelchair in his Greenwich Village apartment, becoming an unwilling observer of his neighbors. The cast, a heavy plaster covering his leg, is a constant visual reminder of his vulnerability and helplessness. However, sharp-eyed viewers have noticed moments where the cast mysteriously vanishes, only to reappear in subsequent shots. This isn’t a hallucination on Jeffries’ part; it’s a continuity error stemming from the challenges of filming and editing a complex scene-by-scene narrative.
The discrepancies often occur during complex sequences, such as those involving Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa Fremont, interacting with Jeffries. In some instances, the angle and lighting might obscure the cast, creating the impression that it’s absent. However, closer examination reveals that the cast isn’t merely obscured; it’s simply not there. This inconsistency, though subtle, detracts slightly from the film’s otherwise seamless suspense. While minor, it serves as a fascinating glimpse into the practicalities of filmmaking, highlighting the difficulties even masters like Hitchcock faced in maintaining absolute consistency.
Behind the Scenes: Explaining the Vanishing Act
Several factors contribute to this flub. Firstly, continuity errors are common occurrences in film production. Keeping track of every detail across multiple takes and camera angles is a monumental task. Secondly, wearing a heavy plaster cast for extended periods would be incredibly uncomfortable for Stewart, potentially affecting his performance. It’s plausible that the cast was sometimes removed between takes, and inadvertently, this removal was not always accounted for in the final cut. Finally, the film’s editors might not have noticed the inconsistency during the editing process. In the pre-digital age, spotting such minor discrepancies required exceptionally keen eyes and a frame-by-frame scrutiny that wasn’t always feasible.
The Lasting Impact of Rear Window
Despite this relatively minor flaw, Rear Window remains a cinematic tour de force. The film’s ingenious exploration of voyeurism, suspense, and the human condition transcends any small continuity error. The masterful performances by Stewart and Kelly, combined with Hitchcock’s unparalleled directing, ensure that the film’s overall impact remains undiminished. The vanishing cast, while a noticeable detail for some viewers, ultimately does not detract significantly from the film’s brilliance. Rear Window remains a testament to the power of storytelling and a shining example of Hitchcock’s genius.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the issue and provide additional context:
What exactly constitutes a “film flub” or “continuity error”?
A continuity error is an unintentional discrepancy in a film’s details from one shot to the next. This can involve changes in the position of objects, clothing, hairstyles, or even the presence or absence of items altogether. In Rear Window, the fluctuating appearance of Jimmy Stewart’s leg cast is a prime example.
Is the vanishing leg cast the only noticeable error in Rear Window?
No, there are other minor continuity inconsistencies, though the leg cast is the most prominent and frequently discussed. These include variations in the position of objects on Jeffries’ desk and slight changes in the background details visible through the windows. These, however, are far less noticeable than the disappearing cast.
Did Hitchcock ever address the vanishing leg cast issue?
There is no publicly documented instance of Hitchcock directly addressing the vanishing leg cast in Rear Window. While he was known for his meticulous attention to detail, minor continuity errors were sometimes overlooked, especially given the constraints of filmmaking at the time.
Does the Blu-ray or 4K restoration of Rear Window correct the error?
No. While the Blu-ray and 4K restorations significantly enhance the visual clarity and detail of Rear Window, the continuity errors, including the vanishing leg cast, remain uncorrected. These restorations focus on improving image quality, not altering the original film content.
How common are continuity errors in classic Hollywood films?
Continuity errors were relatively common in classic Hollywood films due to the challenges of shooting and editing in the pre-digital era. Without the sophisticated technology available today, maintaining perfect consistency across multiple takes and scenes was a significant undertaking.
Does this continuity error ruin the film’s overall experience?
For most viewers, the continuity error does not ruin the overall viewing experience. Rear Window‘s strengths lie in its compelling narrative, masterful direction, and outstanding performances, which far outweigh the impact of this minor flaw.
Why is this particular flub so widely discussed?
The vanishing leg cast is particularly noticeable because it is a central element of the plot. Jeffries’ immobility is a key factor in his voyeuristic observation of his neighbors, making the cast’s inconsistent appearance more prominent than other minor errors.
How does the use of a limited set contribute to these errors?
The fact that Rear Window takes place almost entirely within Jeffries’ apartment puts tremendous pressure on maintaining consistency within that limited space. Any changes in the environment, even minor ones, become more readily apparent to viewers.
Could the cast’s removal have been intentional for comfort reasons?
It’s highly probable that the cast was removed between takes for Jimmy Stewart’s comfort. Wearing a heavy plaster cast for extended periods would be physically demanding, and allowing him breaks between scenes would likely have improved his performance.
How did editors handle continuity in the pre-digital age?
Editors in the pre-digital age relied heavily on detailed notes and visual memory to maintain continuity. They would painstakingly review footage, comparing shots and scenes to identify any discrepancies. However, without the benefit of digital tools, it was more difficult to catch every minor error.
What can viewers learn from noticing these errors?
Noticing continuity errors can offer viewers a greater appreciation for the complexities of filmmaking and the challenges involved in creating a seamless cinematic experience. It highlights the importance of collaboration, attention to detail, and the occasional acceptance of imperfections.
What are some other famous examples of film flubs?
Some other famous examples of film flubs include the anachronistic coffee cup in Game of Thrones, the changing length of Marion’s hair in Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the disappearing table cloth in Pulp Fiction. These, like the vanishing leg cast in Rear Window, are often discussed and analyzed by film enthusiasts.