Vertigo




You shouldn't keep souvenirs of a killing.

Vertigo remains one of Hitchcock's most debated films. While the legendary director is probably best known to the public for Pyscho and Rear Window, this remains my favorite Hitchcock film.

John Ferguson (James Stewart) is a retired detective who has acrophobia, or the fear of heights. He is reluctant, but agrees to follow Madeline (Kim Novak), who is an old friend's wife. It seems that she is being possessed by a dead relative and is in danger. But while Ferguson is following her (rather badly) and piecing the puzzle together, he falls for her. I'll leave the rest to you.

Vertigo was a personal film for Hitchcock, and it manifests several of his characteristics. Foremost being obsession. We see it in the main characters who are drawn out.

Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes) is more or less obsessed with John. They used to go out together and now are just friends. But she begins to get jealous of Madeline as things develop, and eventually she does something that ruins her chances with John. You can't help but feel for her when she whispers "mother's here" to him.

Madeline shows obsession with John because she begins to love him deeply. John in turn displays an avid obsession with Madeline. When things go awry, he's devastated. He seeks her out in unusual ways, but it is because of his obsession that when he finds her, he can't have her. Though, ironically, it is because of this he finally beats his vertigo. There are also strong undertones about the suppression of women. Power, freedom ... they go perfectly hand in hand with obsession.

Hitchcock was at his peak here. He uses innovative camera techniques to get us inside of John's head. There are several shots that simulate what vertigo must be like, making the screen seem to zoom in and out at the same time. Colors also play a prominent role in the movie, especially in the creepy dream sequence. Great work is also done with the music. All these combine to give the movie a dream like feel.

The story itself is top notch, and Hitchcock masterfully weaves us along. It keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. This movie has been called Hitch's most suspenseful film, and for good reason. Though it is rarely heart stopping scary, it gives you a creepy feeling that lasts.

A definite must see. Stewart and Hitch were never better, and Kim Novak also turns in a remarkable performance.



-The Gnome