“Vertigo” is a thriller film of 1958 directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. It is considered one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces and one of the most influential films in the history of cinema.
The plot follows John “Scottie” Ferguson (played by James Stewart), a private detective who suffers from vertigo. After suffering an initial trauma leading to his retirement, he is brought on a new case by an old friend, Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore). Elster claims that his wife, Madeleine (played by Kim Novak), is haunted by the spirit of a dead woman and asks Scottie to follow her to find out what is happening to her.
Scottie takes the case and starts following Madeleine. In the course of his investigations, he falls in love with her, but is shattered when he sees her fall from a bell tower and die. This traumatic event worsens his vertigo, forcing him to withdraw from active life. However, he later meets a woman named Judy Barton (also played by Kim Novak), who bears a striking resemblance to Madeleine.
Attracted by the resemblance, Scottie begins dating Judy, trying to transform her into Madeleine through similar clothing, hairstyles, and behaviors. As the story unfolds, dark secrets emerge revealing that appearances can be deceiving.
“Vertigo” is widely considered a complex and psychologically rich film. It deals with themes such as obsession, death, manipulation and loss. Hitchcock skillfully uses photography, soundtrack and visual symbolism to create an eerie and tense atmosphere.
The film is also known for its innovative technique called the “vertigo effect” or “dizzying zoom”. This visual effect is used to represent Scottie’s dizziness and consists of an optical illusion in which the camera moves closer to the foreground object while simultaneously moving away from the background, creating a feeling of distortion and disorientation.
Despite “Vertigo” was not a huge box office success upon its release, over the years it has been re-evaluated by critics and audiences and has become a highly regarded and studied film. In 2012 it was even voted the best film of all times in Sight & Sound’s poll.
Plot
The plot of “Vertigo” revolves around John “Scottie” Ferguson (played by James Stewart), a private detective who suffers from vertigo. After a trauma forces his retirement, Scottie is contacted by an old friend named Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore ) for a special assignment.
Elster claims that his wife, Madeleine (played by Kim Novak), is haunted by the spirit of a dead woman named Carlotta Valdes and fears Madeleine might harm herself. Scottie takes the case and starts keeping tabs on Madeleine, following her around the city of San Francisco.
During his observation, Scottie falls in love with Madeleine, captivated by her beauty and mystery. However, one day, while following her, Madeleine climbs a bell tower and, before Scottie can reach her, falls into the void and dies. Scottie, shocked by the scene, comes out distraught and suffers a severe acrophobic crisis as a result of his failed attempt to save her.
After a period of rest and rehabilitation, Scottie accidentally meets a woman named Judy Barton (played by Kim Novak), who bears a striking resemblance to Madeleine, except for hair color and some physical details. Scottie feels strongly attracted to Judy and decides to transform her into the perfect replica of Madeleine.
Scottie begins dating Judy, buying her clothes similar to Madeleine’s and trying to reproduce the attitudes and demeanor of Elster’s late wife. As he grows closer to Judy, dark secrets emerge related to his identity and his connection to Madeleine.
Without giving away too many crucial plot details,”Vertigo” unfolds as a tangled psychological thriller, in which Scottie tries to uncover the truth about Madeleine’s death and deals with the consequences of his obsessions. The story explores themes of manipulation, betrayal and identity, questioning the very nature of reality and ‘Love.
Movie Characters
Here are the main characters of the film “Vertigo”:
John “Scottie” Ferguson (played by James Stewart): He is the protagonist of the film, a former private detective who suffers from vertigo. He gets involved in a mysterious case involving the woman he falls in love with.
Madeleine Elster / Judy Barton (portrayed by Kim Novak): Madeleine is the wife of Gavin Elster and the central point of Scottie’s obsession. After her death, Scottie meets Judy Barton, who looks uncannily like Madeleine. Judy is embroiled in a dark secret related to Madeleine’s death.
Gavin Elster (portrayed by Tom Helmore): He is Scottie’s friend and former employer. He hires Scottie to follow his wife, Madeleine, claiming she is haunted by the spirit of a dead woman. Elster becomes a key character in the plot of the film.
Midge Wood (portrayed by Barbara Bel Geddes): Midge is Scottie’s childhood friend and ex-girlfriend. She is an artist and provides Scottie with an emotional foothold throughout the story. Midge is in love with Scottie, but her love is unrequited.
These are just some of the main characters featured in the film. There are also other supporting characters who contribute to the plot and dynamics of the story.
Production
“Vertigo” was produced by Paramount Pictures and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film is based on the novel “D’entre les morts” by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac. The screenplay was written by Alec Coppel and Samuel A. Taylor, with some changes made by Hitchcock during production.
Alfred Hitchcock played a significant role in the production of the film, influencing the script, the direction of the actors and the design of the photography. He worked closely with cinematographer Robert Burks to create the film’s distinctive visual mood.
The main cast included James Stewart as John “Scottie” Ferguson and Kim Novak in a dual performance as Madeleine Elster and Judy Barton. The two actors gave memorable performances that contributed to the success of the film.
The production of “Vertigo” took place primarily in San Francisco, California, which became an essential part of the film’s setting. Hitchcock used iconic locations in the city, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Mission San Juan Bautista, to create an atmospheric and steeped in mystery.
During production, Hitchcock introduced several technical innovations to the film, including the use of the vertigo effect or dizzying zoom. This technique required meticulous planning and coordination to pull off convincingly on screen.
“Vertigo” was released in the United States on May 9, 1958. Although it did not achieve great initial commercial success, the film was subsequently re-evaluated and appreciated for its distinctive visual style, narrative complexity and psychological themes. Today it is considered one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces and one of the most influential films in the history of cinema.
Distribution and Reception
“Vertigo” was released in the United States on May 9, 1958 by Paramount Pictures. Initially, the film did not achieve great critical and commercial success. Despite Hitchcock’s reputation as a successful director, the film grossed less than his other previous jobs.
Critics responded mixed to the film upon its release. Some critics appreciated Hitchcock’s work and how the film explored complex themes such as obsession and manipulation. Others, however, criticized the film for its complicated plot and slow pace.
Despite the initial reception, over the years”Vertigo” has been re-evaluated and has gained increasing recognition as one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces. Over time, the film has been the subject of academic and critical study, and has been praised for its outstanding cinematography, its musical score and its complex psychological narrative.
During the years, “Vertigo” has been included in numerous lists of the best films of all time. In the 2012 Sight & Sound poll, it was voted the best film of all time, unseating “Citizen Kane” from the top spot after decades of dominance.
The re-evaluation of the film helped solidify its reputation and increase its popularity. Today, “Vertigo” is considered a cinematic classic and a benchmark in the psychological thriller genre, praised for its masterful direction, the performances of the actors and its intrinsic themes.
Style
“Vertigo” is renowned for its distinctive style, reflecting Alfred Hitchcock’s mastery as a director. Here are some of the stylistic elements that characterize the film:
Evocative Photography: The Photography of “Vertigo” is extraordinary and contributes to an evocative and eerie atmosphere. Cinematographer Robert Burks uses light and shadow effectively to create a sense of mystery and tension. The vivid colors and visually captivating compositions contribute to the creation of an immersive viewing experience.
Visual Symbolism: Hitchcock uses visual symbolism to emphasize the film’s themes and conflicts. For example, the image of the bell tower in which Madeleine’s death takes place becomes a recurring symbol of fear and loss. Other symbolic elements include mirrors, stairs and objects that repeat themselves in the narrative, contributing to a sense of disorientation and ambiguity.
Atmospheric soundtrack: The soundtrack of “Vertigo”, composed by Bernard Herrmann, plays an essential role in accentuating the emotional atmosphere of the film. The evocative and dramatic score blends perfectly with the images, amplifying the tension and emotions of the characters.
Complex psychological narrative: The film explores complex psychological themes such as obsession, identity and manipulation. Hitchcock challenges viewers to question the characters’ subjective perceptions and truth itself. The plot develops intricately, building suspense and revealing twists and turns that make the viewer reflect on the meaning of the characters and their actions.
Vertigo Effect: One of the most distinctive features of the film is the use of the vertigo effect or dizzying zoom, which creates a sense of disorientation and vertigo for the viewer. This visual technique was developed by Hitchcock and cinematographer Robert Burks and has become an iconic cinematic innovation.
The combination of these stylistic elements makes “Vertigo” a unique visual and narrative experience. Attention to visual detail, rich symbolism and psychological depth help make the film a Hitchcock masterpiece and a landmark in thriller cinema.
Curiosities and Anecdotes
Here are some curiosities and anecdotes related to the film “Vertigo”:
The original title of the film, “Vertigo”, refers to the vertigo that protagonist Scottie Ferguson experiences due to his phobia. It was chosen to highlight the psychological aspect of the film and its central theme.
When filming the famous scene where Scottie rescues Madeleine from the bell tower, Alfred Hitchcock wanted the effect to be as realistic as possible. So instead of using a stunt double or special effects, he convinced actress Kim Novak to climb the bell tower to a considerable height. This helped create a genuine sense of danger in the scene.
The scene where Scottie looks at Madeleine from her apartment was originally shot with background music. However, Hitchcock later decided to remove the music, leaving only the ambient sound. This choice increased the haunting effect and made the scene more intense.
During production, Hitchcock and cinematographer Robert Burks experimented with different camera techniques to create the desired vertigo effect. Ultimately, they settled on the use of the “dolly zoom” or “vertigo effect horn”, which has become an iconic cinematic technique.
“Vertigoreceived an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay in 1959, but did not win. Despite this, the film has become a classic over the years and has gained ever-increasing appreciation in the cinematic landscape.
In 2012, the British Film Institute (BFI) released their updated list of the best films of all time in which “Vertigo” ousted “Citizen Kane” from the first place, which it had held for decades.
Kim Novak has stated in several interviews that playing the double role of Madeleine/Judy was an intense experience for her. The transformation from one woman to another required emotional preparation and a deep understanding of the characters.
These are just some curiosities and anecdotes related to the film “Vertigo”. The film is known for its complexity and has continued to generate discussion and interest from film enthusiasts over the years.
Themes
“Vertigo” deals with several complex and psychological themes that contribute to the richness of the plot and the depth of the characters. Here are some of the main themes of the film:
Obsession: One of the central themes of the film is obsession, both on the part of the protagonist Scottie Ferguson and on the part of other characters. Scottie becomes obsessed with Madeleine and tries to recreate her through Judy. Scottie’s obsession drives him to extreme actions, leading to dramatic consequences.
Identity and double: The theme of identity is central to the film. Scottie gets caught up in a situation where identities blur and overlap. Judy assumes the identity of Madeleine, creating a double that challenges Scottie’s perception and her ability to distinguish fact from fiction.
Manipulation: The film also explores the subject of manipulation. Gavin Elster manipulates both Scottie and Madeleine for his own purpose. Manipulation also manifests itself in Scottie and Judy’s relationship, where both seek to control the other for their own ends.
Phobia and Psychological Frailty: Scottie’s phobia of heights, known as acrophobia, plays a significant role in the film. His psychological fragility and his fears influence his actions and his perception of reality. Psychological fragility is also present in other characters, such as Madeleine and Judy.
Illusion and Reality: The line between illusion and reality is often blurred in film. The characters move in a world where appearances can be deceiving and the truth can be hard to discern. This theme questions the very nature of the perception and subjective interpretation of reality.
Loss and Remorse: The theme of loss and remorse is present in the story. Scottie lives with remorse for failing to save Madeleine, and this loss has a profound impact on his life. Scottie’s struggle to get over the loss and find some kind of redemption is a key element in the narrative.
These complex themes offer multiple levels of interpretation and contribute to the film’s emotional and psychological depth.”Vertigo”. Through them, the film explores the human condition, desires, fears and weaknesses of its characters, creating an immersive cinematic experience.
Philosophical and Cultural References
“Vertigo” contains some philosophical and cultural references that add further layers of meaning to the film. Here are some of them:
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice: In the film, the character of Judy Barton is transformed by Scottie into a kind of “creature” similar to Madeleine. This recalls the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, in which Orpheus tries to bring his beloved back from the afterlife. Judy’s transformation into Madeleine can be interpreted as an attempt to bring back a lost love.
Sigmund Freud’s theory of the “Double”: The theme of the double is present in the film and recalls the Freudian theory of the “double” or “alter ego”. Freud argued that every individual has a dark and hidden side of their personality, which can emerge as a kind of double. In the film, Scottie tries to recreate Madeleine through Judy, drawing parallels to this theory.
The Philosophy of Existentialism: The film features elements that recall existentialism, a philosophical current that focuses on individual freedom, existential anguish and personal responsibility. Scottie’s choice to recreate Madeleine and her internal conflict reflect the challenges and contradictions of existentialism.
The culture of voyeurism: Hitchcock often explored the theme of voyeurism in his films, and “Vertigo” is no exception. Scottie’s character is a detective who observes the lives of others, and this invasive observation reflects human curiosity and attraction to the spectacle of other people’s lives.
The Critique of the Idealization of Women: The film offers a subtle critique of the idealization of women and their transformation into objects of desire. The character of Madeleine is manipulated and transformed by men who project their romantic desires and ideals onto her, leading to tragic consequences.
These philosophical and cultural references underline the thematic depth of the film and invite viewers to reflect on existential, psychological and social issues. They help make “Vertigo” a complex film full of meaning, going beyond the simple plot and offering a fertile ground for interpretation and debate.
Director
The director of “Vertigo” is Alfred Hitchcock, one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema. Born on 13 August 1899 in Leytonstone, London, Hitchcock achieved international fame for his distinctive style and his ability to create suspense and tension in his films .
Hitchcock directed more than 50 films throughout his career spanning several genres such as the psychological thriller, yellow and suspense. He is known for his attention to detail, technical mastery, and his ability to manipulate viewers’ emotions.
Beyond “Vertigo”, Hitchcock is famous for directing many other successful films, including ‘Psycho’, ‘The Birds’, ‘Rear Window’, ‘By North America’ and ‘Pray and the Whites’. His filmography is characterized by intricate storylines, surprising twists and complex characters.
Hitchcock is considered a master of suspense and has influenced many subsequent filmmakers. His ability to create tension and manipulate the viewer’s attention has marked thriller cinema and made his films true works of art.
Alfred Hitchcock received numerous honors during his career, including the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Academy Award in 1968 and a Knighthood in 1980. He is considered one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema and his artistic legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers.
