Hitch's masterpiece!

Rating: Null/10 (28 April 2002)

Although Psycho is perhaps Hitchcock's most notorious film, I don't think there's any question that Vertigo is Hitchcock's masterpiece. This is a haunting, intensely moving, and tragic film.
Where to begin? This is the story of a man names Scottie Ferguson, a former detective who has recently retired from the force after his acrophobia inadvertently caused the death of a man. Scottie is recruited by his old friend Gavin Elster to go back on the job and follow his wife. It seems that Gavin's wife Madeleine has become possessed by the spirit of a deceased ancestor. Or is she? As we are about to learn, nothing is quite as it seems at first.
It is fascinating to look at the multiple ways this film can be viewed. It can be seen as a story about a man who is attracted to a dead woman, a cynical look at how men exploit women, or a study in male impotence. Pay special attention to the story that the man in the book shop tells Scottie about Carlotta Valdes. It is important in pointing out the parallels Carlotta's story has to the events that are about to transpire. Watch the scene where Scottie and Madeleine visit a tree stump in the forest. It is interesting to see how the characters end up repeating all their actions, visiting the same places, and making the same mistakes as if they were caught up in a whirlpool (hence the symbolism in the opening credits).

The back story about the making of this film is interesting as well. Hitchcock was infatuated with actress Grace Kelly and would remake many other actresses in her image. Hitchcock was disappointed when Vera Miles got pregnant and was unable to star in Vertigo. Fortunately, Hitchcock did a very good job remaking Kim Novak in Vera Miles' image. No wonder this is considered to be Hithcock's most personal film.
Hitchcock directs this film in glowing colour creating a dreamlike atmosphere and Bernard Hermann created one of his all-time greatest music score's to accompany us through this film. It is worth buying on CD to play all on its own.