Final answer:
Hitchcock's portrayal of Jeff's voyeurism in 'Rear Window' juxtaposes suspense with problematic racial representations, critiqued for its use of stereotypes. The contrast with 'Number 37' highlights a more culturally aware narrative in dealing with voyeurism and the Black experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alfred Hitchcock, in his film Rear Window, portrays the protagonist L. B. Jefferies's voyeurism through the lens of a suspenseful narrative, juxtaposed with a stark disregard for racial sensitivity. Hitchcock uses Jeff's injury-induced confinement to his apartment to delve into themes of voyeurism, as Jeff becomes engrossed in watching his neighbors through his window. This curiosity eventually leads him to suspect a neighbor of murder. While Jefferies' voyeuristic behavior drives the plot, Hitchcock's portrayal reveals the director's narrower vision of cultural representation and racial stereotypes, particularly in his use of "audio blackface" for comedic relief. This insensitivity overshadows the film's contribution to the suspense genre, leaving a legacy of criticism regarding its racial portrayals.
The contrast with Nosipho Dumisa's Number 37 is telling, as it demonstrates a deeper cultural awareness and engagement with the Black experience. The South African version of the story presents layered social commentary, an African setting, and a Black protagonist grappling with the post-apartheid reality. The portrayal of voyeurism in the context of Rear Window is thus both iconic for its suspenseful craftsmanship and critiqued for its racial insensitivity.