Review of Vertigo (1958) by Jason J — 03 Mar 2012

James Stewart is an ex-police detective 'Scottie' Ferguson suffering from vertigo who is asked by an old friend to investigate his wife who seems to be behaving rather oddly. Rescuing her when she tries to drown herself in San Francisco Bay, he gets in a bit too deep when he falls for her. Just as their relationship is beginning to blossom, she falls to her death from the top of a bell tower and Ferguson is powerless to stop this as his vertigo prevents him from going up tall buildings. Ferguson becomes a broken man but suddenly a chance encounter on a street 1 year later sees him looking at somebody who seems exactly like the woman he loved. He even begins a relationship with her, becoming obsessed that she should become the same as his old love with the same clothes, mannerisms and hairstyle.

One of Hitchcock's classic movies with James Stewart in one of his best roles as an obsessed driven man who can't let go of the past. Vertigo is a psychological thriller that delivers twists and turns to keep you guessing and intrigued into how everything pans out. A tale of two halfs with the first focusing on a mystery whilst the second takes a turn into the dark side about obsession and the mindset of a psychologically battered man. The alluring Kim Novak is also excellent in her dual role as a tool designed to ensnare Ferguson into a wider plot. Film noir at it's finest.