Vertigo is my favourite Hitchcock film, and a beautiful representation of how to effectively juggle different themes. Led by James Stewart in one of the best performances of his career, Vertigo tells a story of obsession, deceit, murder and betrayal, and features one of my favourite plot twists of all-time.
Detective John 'Scottie' Ferguson is called one day by old friend Gavin Elster to follow his wife Madeleine, whom he feels is acting rather strangely. Her behaviour of late has led him to believe that she has been possessed by the spirit of a dead woman, and he wants Scottie to follow her to confirm or dispel his suspicion. As Scottie follows the woman, they end up meeting, and in turn fall in love. However, even love can't seem to break the spell over her, and a few days later she jumps off a bell tower when Scottie fails to save her because of his fear of heights.
After her death, Scottie begins to see a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Madeleine. Curiosity turns to obsession, and after meeting up with the woman, Judy, he becomes fixated on turning her into Madeleine. Scottie's compulsion proves to be detrimental and pushes both him and Judy closer and closer to the edge.
Jimmy Stewart gives arguably his best performance here (although my personal favourite remains his turn in It's a Wonderful Life). He sells Scottie's obsession remarkably, and gives us a spot-on depiction of his gradual declination. Kim Novak is also superb. As usual, Hitchcock is perfect here, and it is impossible for me to imagine any other director at the helm.
Vertigo is a one of a kind film. Expertly directed and filmed, it captures a feel of obsession and uses that as the driving force behind what transpires. It also features a twist that creeps up on you, and although it isn't impossible to figure out before it's revelation, I still consider it one of the greatest of all movie twists. Let Vertigo lure you in, it will almost certainly entrance you.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Detective John 'Scottie' Ferguson is called one day by old friend Gavin Elster to follow his wife Madeleine, whom he feels is acting rather strangely. Her behaviour of late has led him to believe that she has been possessed by the spirit of a dead woman, and he wants Scottie to follow her to confirm or dispel his suspicion. As Scottie follows the woman, they end up meeting, and in turn fall in love. However, even love can't seem to break the spell over her, and a few days later she jumps off a bell tower when Scottie fails to save her because of his fear of heights.
After her death, Scottie begins to see a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Madeleine. Curiosity turns to obsession, and after meeting up with the woman, Judy, he becomes fixated on turning her into Madeleine. Scottie's compulsion proves to be detrimental and pushes both him and Judy closer and closer to the edge.
Jimmy Stewart gives arguably his best performance here (although my personal favourite remains his turn in It's a Wonderful Life). He sells Scottie's obsession remarkably, and gives us a spot-on depiction of his gradual declination. Kim Novak is also superb. As usual, Hitchcock is perfect here, and it is impossible for me to imagine any other director at the helm.
Vertigo is a one of a kind film. Expertly directed and filmed, it captures a feel of obsession and uses that as the driving force behind what transpires. It also features a twist that creeps up on you, and although it isn't impossible to figure out before it's revelation, I still consider it one of the greatest of all movie twists. Let Vertigo lure you in, it will almost certainly entrance you.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Amazing how it flopped on initial release. And Kim Novak is seriously seksy.
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