Review of Vertigo (1958) by Tyler M — 31 Mar 2012

Only one is a wanderer; two together are always going somewhere.

One of Hitchcock's most original, and daring works.

The Story: A retired detective deathly afraid of heights is hired to look after the wife a wealthy businessman when she begins to exhibit strange behavior. There's a lot more to the story, but that's about all I can say without giving any of the story away. It's got a great style to it, vibrant colors and classic character makeup and design. The sets are gorgeous and the world of Vertigo will have you dizzy before the films end. The cinematography here is proof that Hitchcock truly was untouchable, as he does things with the camera that even many directors today wish they could do. The biggest problem here is that the story moves a little slowly, and even changes genre. The first hour and a half will have you questioning reality, while the last half hour will have you thinking of your own mortality.

The Cast: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes... James Stewart is Detective John 'Scottie' Ferguson, a crippling fear of heights and a love that wasn't meant to be drive this character from one extreme to another. One of my favorite leading actors in Hitchcock's films he always gives strong performances, and this one is no different. While it's arguable that this isn't his greatest performance and that Rope is still the best, there's no denying that this film would be the same without him. You'll love him for who he is, but hate him for who he becomes. Kim Novak plays a dual role here as both Madeleine Elster and Judy Barton. Madeleine Elster being the rich mans wife, a mentally unstable woman with a strange fixation on her ancestral history. Judy Barton being a woman that looks like Madeleine Elster. Barbara Bel Geddes is Marjorie 'Midge' Wood, Johnny-O's best friend. One problem here... What the hell happens to here? She just disappears after that last half hour kicks in. Where did she go? What's she doing? Why isn't she around anymore? She gives a great performance while she's on screen, it just would have been nice to see her get the ending she deserves.

One to Five Scale: 4.

It's strengths are enough to keep it steady at a four, but you're still left with a slightly slow paced story that builds to somewhat lackluster ending. It makes you wonder if maybe it should have ended a half hour sooner instead of changing genre and story.

Tyler.