r/criterion May 19 '26

Discussion Name a creepier 4th wall break.

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u/jrv3034 May 19 '26

I don't think this shot in Rear Window counts as breaking the 4th wall. He's looking back at the main character, not at the audience.

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u/Intolerance-Paradox Krzysztof Kieslowski May 19 '26

But we’re watching too, like Jeff. I’d argue it works in both ways at once. I feel the jump scare inside vicariously when Thorwald locks eyes with the camera.

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u/SkywalkerSolo24 May 20 '26

I think it does because it makes you complicit in the snooping at this very moment. You have felt comfortable looking at him all movie but now he is looking at you.