REAR WINDOW ASSIGNMENT
Rear Window “Forensics” Scene
The main character of the film Jeffery investigates the scene of the crime from his apartment window. From his window observations, Jeffery concludes that his neighbor has murdered his wife and proceeds to make attempts at gathering evidence in order to convict the neighbor. All of the investigating which occurs is conducted at a distance and does not include any physical handling of evidence. Due in part to the limited technology of the time the only tools which Jeffery uses is a set of binoculars. After seeing the neighbor with a knife wrapped in newspaper, Jeffry’s first thought is, “How would you begin to cut up a human body”. Within the film the character of Jeffery is a dominant force which emphasizes the power of masculinity and overpowers the other characters. Jeffery is extremely quick to make assumptions and often dismisses comments made by others. I believe Jeffery’s eagerness to solve the crime stems from his current status as an invalid and boredom rather than a genuine concern for the condition of the neighbor’s wife. Had Jeffery had other activities going on in his life, I believe he might not have applied so much thought to his neighbor’s actions which were only border line suspicious.
CSI “Living Doll”
The forensics scene which occurs within this episode of CSI is quite different than that which occurred within Rear Window. During the forensics scene, the characters within the show work as a team and each investigator is assigned a specific element of the case. The investigators compile the information which they have gathered in order to build a cohesive case. Very rarely are assumptions made and a conclusion is never drawn without sufficient evidence. Upon arriving at the crime scene, the investigators do not appear fazed by the tragedy, instead the immediately set about their work. They have an analytical and emotionless mind set. More attention is allotted to the blood stains then the victim’s body. Unlike Jeffery the investigators within the CSI episode are open to the suggestions and projections of others. Though the caption of the forensics team is a man, I don’t really feel as if the male characters dominant the female characters. I believe that the investigators desire to solve the crime is related more so to their love of science and mystery then their concern about the victim.
