Review of Vertigo (1958) by Ben B — 05 Aug 2014

'Vertigo' is an absolute classic and one of Hitchcock's best, which of course makes it one of the greatest films of all-time. Even when it seems like its going slow, it keeps you in suspense.

The environment and mystery of John Ferguson's (Jimmy Stewart) situation will keep you intrigued for the entire time. The twist ending will leave you with your mouth hanging open, especially after the first time you view this masterpiece.

The plot basically starts out by Ferguson having an unfortunate accident on a rooftop while chasing a criminal. Ferguson is a detective who loses his footing. His fellow cop tries to save him but he falls to his death.

It is found out that Ferguson suffers from vertigo, which prompts him to leave his job as a detective. Receiving encouragement from his good friend Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes) and a case from his old friend Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore), Ferguson is forced to investigate a curious matter as a retired detective.

Ferguson is tasked to look after Elster's wife Madeleine (Kim Novak) who has been exhibiting peculiar behavior. This journey is not what it seems and its ending will leave you satisfied. Jimmy Stewart as usual is brilliant.

Being able to portray so many emotions so authentically is Stewart's staple and it comes across well here. Kim Novak is absolutely beautiful as Madeleine. She first exhibits the confusion and the detachment that Madeleine is going through, but becomes more lucid as she falls in love with Ferguson, which is perhaps an unrequited love.

'Vertigo' will show you why Hitchcock is one of the greatest of all-time.