The document explores contrasts between the films 'Rear Window' and 'Disturbia', focusing on the contextual differences of the 1950s and 2000s, societal perceptions of masculinity, and spectatorship. It discusses how the 1950s were marked by a transformation in masculine identity due to evolving work culture and McCarthyism, while the 2000s face a crisis of masculinity with debates on men's value in society. Key themes include the impact of pervasive technology and the hybrid genres in 'Disturbia' compared to 'Rear Window'.

1. Starter – on contrasts
With a partner discuss some of the contrasts you
believe there are in the films REAR WINDOW and
DISTURBIA. 3 mins
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We are going to study 6 areas, can you think of 6???

2. Contrasts
 Context- 1950s v 2000s------
creates the climate for the messages and
values
 Stars & Audiences
 Spectatorship
 Pervasive Technology in Disturbia
 Comment on Spectatorship in Rear Window
 Generic hybridity of Disturbia

3. The Perceived Crisis of Masculinity of
the 1950′s
The 1950′s in the United Sates were a period of radical change for men in the
work place, as the Corporation rose to new heights, and the white-collar
worker became commonplace. But social critics of that era saw this rise as
terrible for the traditional idea of men as “masculine.” These voices of both
popular culture and academia saw a problem with so many men discarding
traditional blue-collar manliness in favour of the house in the suburbs, fancy
car, and fine clothes.
The image of the mid-19th century man was re-negotiated, doing away with
the rugged individualist idea of masculinity – to include characteristics
connected to leisure and family, the new way of the men who worked office
jobs at major corporations. Social commentators saw this change as a threat,
to what they held as an important ideal of the 1950′s. Threat or no threat, the
1950′s were most certainly a time where the concept of masculinity shifted
based on the new rising type of work culture

4. 1950s
McCarthyism is the practice of making accusations
of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper
regard for evidence.
The term has its origins in the period in the United
States known as the Second Red Scare, lasting
roughly from the late 1940s to the late 1950s and
characterized by heightened fears of communist
influence on American institutions and espionage by
Soviet agents.

5. McCarthyism
Understanding McCarthyism
How to spot a communist
Are you a commie or a citizen ?
Cold War Scare Film

6. Contrasts
 Context- 1950s v 2000s------
creates the climate for the messages and
values
 Stars & Audiences
 Spectatorship
 Pervasive Technology in Disturbia
 Comment on Spectatorship in Rear Window
 Generic hybridity of Disturbia

7. Crisis of masculinity 2000s
Now, the whole issue of men - the point of them, their
purpose, their value, their justification - is a matter for
public debate. Serious commentators declare that men
are redundant, that women do not need them and
children would be better off without them. At the
beginning of the twenty-first century it is difficult to avoid
the conclusion that men are in serious trouble.
Throughout the world, developed and developing,
antisocial behaviour is essentially male. Violence, sexual
abuse of children, illicit drug use, alcohol misuse,
gambling all are overwhelmingly male activities. The
courts and prisons bulge with men. When it comes to
aggression, delinquent behaviour, risk taking and social
mayhem, men win gold.

8. Link to article on Masculinity

9. Post 9.11 Paranoia
9.11 first moments
Homeland
Homeland Promo
4.30'

10. Context Opening Scene of ‘Rear Window’
Curtains going up, spectating
starts.
Rear Window

11. What do mean by post 9.11 Paranoia

12. Context Quotes
[first lines]
Kale: Do you think he sees us?
Daniel Brecht: No, he can't see us.
But trust me, he can feel us
watching.
Disturbia

13. Context Paragraphs
What to include?