Vertigo (1958) is an incredible film. Directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, it has all the elements of a great thriller movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The movie is about a retired detective named John “Scottie” Ferguson, played by James Stewart, who suffers from acrophobia (fear of heights) after a tragic incident that occurred on the job. He is hired by an old friend to investigate his wife, Madeleine, who he claims is possessed by the spirit of her dead grandmother.
As Scottie becomes obsessed with Madeleine, he falls in love with her, but his fear of heights hinders his efforts to save her when she falls from a bell tower. With the help of a woman named Judy, who resembles Madeleine, he tries to uncover the truth about the mystery in the story.
The acting in Vertigo is superb. James Stewart delivers a gripping performance as the troubled protagonist, and Kim Novak plays both Madeleine and Judy convincingly. The cinematography is also breathtaking, with stunning shots of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The film is a masterclass in suspense, with several twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The haunting music score by Bernard Herrmann is also a standout feature, adding to the ominous tone of the film.
Overall, Vertigo is a timeless classic that still stands up as a masterpiece of cinema. Hitchcock’s direction, combined with Stewart’s performance, make for an unforgettable movie experience. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. You won’t be disappointed.
Lesson about Vertigo
The lessons we can take from the movie Vertigo 1958 is that obsession can be dangerous and destructive.
The Best of Vertigo
- 1. Visually stunning: Vertigo, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is known for its stunning visuals and cinematography. The film makes use of unique camera angles, close-ups, and other visual techniques to create a dreamlike effect that draws the viewer into the story. The iconic scenes, such as the opening sequence and the climax at the bell tower, have become classics in cinematic history.
- 2. Complex and layered storytelling: The film’s plot is a complex weave of mystery, romance, and psychological drama. James Stewart, who stars as the lead character, Detective John Ferguson, suffers from acrophobia, which greatly affects his work and personal life. His obsession with the beautiful Madeleine, whom he is hired to investigate, creates a tangled web of twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
- 3. Powerful performances: The performances of the lead actors, especially James Stewart and Kim Novak, are powerful and nuanced. Their chemistry, despite the troubled nature of their relationship, is palpable, adding to the tension and drama of the film. The film’s music score by Bernard Herrmann also stands out as a masterful work of art that enhances the film’s themes and atmosphere.
Week points of Vertigo
- 1. Pacing: Despite its critically acclaimed plotting, some viewers may find the movie’s pacing slow or tedious. Certain scenes linger for longer than necessary, and the movie could feel meandering or indulgent at times.
- 2. Gender Representation: Vertigo’s depiction of women has been criticized for its objectifying nature. The central female character, Madeline, is used as a symbol more than a person, making her development and motivations feel shallow or incomplete.
- 3. Age: The movie was released over 60 years ago, and some elements of its storytelling may feel dated or outmoded. It may be difficult for modern viewers to appreciate the movie’s impact or understand its significance given its age and shifting cultural landscape.
Technical details of Vertigo
| Title | Vertigo |
|---|---|
| Year | 1958 |
| Rated | PG |
| Released | 22 May 1958 |
| Runtime | 128 min |
| Genre | Mystery, Romance, Thriller |
| Director | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Writer | Alec Coppel, Samuel A. Taylor, Pierre Boileau |
| Actors | James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes |
| Plot | Following his early retirement as a detective from the San Francisco Police Department, John Ferguson – Scottie to his friends – becomes obsessed with two women in succession, those obsessions which trouble his long time friend and former fiancée, Midge Wood, a designer of women's undergarments. The first is wealthy and elegant platinum blonde Madeleine Elster, the wife of his college acquaintance Gavin Elster, who hires John to follow her in Gavin's belief that she may be a danger to herself in thinking that she has recently been possessed by the spirit of Carlotta Valdes, Madeleine's great-grandmother who she knows nothing about, but who Gavin knows committed suicide in being mentally unbalanced when she was twenty-six, Madeleine's current age. The second is Judy Barton, who John spots on the street one day. Judy is a working class girl, but what makes John obsessed with her is that, despite her working class style and her brunette hair, she is the spitting image of Madeleine, into who he tries to transform Judy. The initial question that John has is if there is some connection between Madeleine and Judy. What happens between John and individually with Madeleine and Judy is affected by the reason John took that early retirement: a recent workplace incident that showed that he is acrophobic which leads to a severe case of vertigo whenever he looks down from tall heights. |
| Country | United States |
| Awards | Nominated for 2 Oscars. 11 wins & 7 nominations total |
