Rear Window (1954) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
The ending of Rear Window sees photographer L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies (James Stewart) confronting the suspected murderer Thorwald (Raymond Burr) after his girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter) gather evidence of his crime. Thorwald attacks Jeff, but police arrive just in time. The murderer is arrested, and Jeff-now with two broken legs-finally stops resisting commitment to Lisa. The film closes with Jeff sleeping peacefully as Lisa pretends to read a book, only to swap it for a fashion magazine when he dozes off, symbolizing their acceptance of each other's differences.
Detailed Ending Explanation:
The climax of Rear Window unfolds when Lisa sneaks into Thorwald's apartment to retrieve his late wife's wedding ring, the key piece of evidence. Thorwald catches her, leading to a tense confrontation where Jeff watches helplessly from his apartment. When the police arrive, Lisa signals Jeff by flashing the ring, confirming Thorwald's guilt. However, Thorwald realizes Jeff has been spying and storms into his apartment. In a gripping final confrontation, Thorwald attacks Jeff, pushing him out the window. The police intervene just in time, arresting Thorwald and saving Jeff, who now has two broken legs instead of one-a darkly humorous punishment for his voyeurism.
The resolution highlights the emotional arcs of the characters. Jeff, who spent the film resisting commitment to Lisa due to their differing lifestyles (his adventurous photojournalism vs. her high-society glamour), finally accepts her devotion after she risks her life for him. The final scene is a quiet, clever moment: Lisa pretends to read Jeff's travel magazine to appease him but switches to her preferred fashion magazine when he falls asleep. This small act signifies compromise - Lisa embracing Jeff's world while staying true to herself, and Jeff silently acknowledging her efforts.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers:
1. Did Thorwald's wife's death truly happen as Jeff inferred?
- Likely yes: The missing ring, the saw, and Thorwald's suspicious behavior strongly suggest murder.
- Alternative: Could she have left him, and Thorwald was covering up her disappearance? Unlikely given the evidence.
Will Jeff and Lisa's relationship last?
- Yes: The ending implies mutual growth - Jeff accepts love, Lisa embraces adventure.
- No: Their differences might resurface once Jeff heals; Lisa's risk-taking could unsettle him.
What about the other neighbors?
- Miss Lonely Hearts finds companionship, the songwriter finishes his tune - Hitchcock ties up their arcs thematically, suggesting life goes on.
Personal Opinion:
Rear Window's ending is a masterclass in subtlety and satisfaction. Hitchcock balances tension (Thorwald's attack) with wit (Jeff's second broken leg) and emotional payoff (Lisa's magazine swap). The film critiques voyeurism but also celebrates human connection - Jeff's isolation ends when he engages with the world (and Lisa) directly. Grace Kelly's performance shines in the finale, transitioning from glamorous socialite to daring sleuth. The only flaw is the rushed police resolution, but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise perfect thriller. The final shot - Lisa's sly smile-leaves you grinning, a rare feat for a movie about murder.
Final Thoughts:
Rear Window's brilliance lies in how it turns a confined setting into a universe of suspense and character study. The ending rewards careful viewers: every detail (the ring, the broken legs, the magazines) serves the story's themes of observation, trust, and love. It's a testament to Hitchcock's genius that a film about watching feels so profoundly active in its storytelling. Over 60 years later, that final scene-with its quiet rebellion and unspoken love-remains one of cinema's most resonant conclusions.