Movie Monday: Vertigo 1958
Detective Scottie Ferguson finds himself suffering from vertigo after a tragic accident. Acrophobia prevents him from going back to work, so he accepts a strange sounding private detective job from an old friend. "I want you to follow my wife [Madeline]," he says to Scottie. "No… It's not that. We're very happily married."
Happily married, perhaps, but Madeline has taken to strange behaviors, leading her husband to believe that she has been possessed by the spirit of her grandmother. He must know more before he considers sending Madeline to a sanitarium.
Intrigued by the story, Scottie decides to check it out. He begins to follow Madeline, fascinated with her actions, stunned by her beauty, and obsessed with her story. Suddenly his whole life revolves around Madeline and saving her from unknown perils. But soon, his obsession begins to destroy his own life, and Scottie might be going a little crazy himself.
I am often asked what movie is my favorite movie. A silly question, really, considering the amount of movies I watch and adore. But if someone I know is interested in watching classic movies for the first time, I always suggest starting with Vertigo. Cinematically it's interesting to watch for Alfred Hitchcock's unique camera perspective and Saul Bass's graphic interpretation of dream sequences, but musically I dare to say Vertigo boasts one of the best soundtracks ever to grace the theater.
The plot is difficult to discuss, because it's a really easy movie to spoil. I definitely didn't want to risk telling you too much, but if you haven't seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and just do it already! I couldn't even tell you how many times I've enjoyed watching Kim Novak and James Stewart in these roles, and each time I notice and appreciate something new. I mean, really, I could talk about it all day. But I won't. Because you need to be watching it instead of reading about it.
This looks like a great flick. I can’t wait to see it. Hopefully I’ll be able to find it. xo, rv
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I agree wholeheartedly. I love this movie too – the story, the outfits, the decor, everything.
i love this movie! i haven’t seen it in years and had honestly forgotten about it until i read this post! i absolutely love alfred hitchcock.
Funnily enough, I was just thinking I need to watch this (for the millionth time… ;)! For some reason it’s a great early fall movie to me. Can’t beat the amazing visuals too–I don’t think I ever tire of watching Vertigo! :)
Ah yes!!! Another movie with James Stewart movie and directed by Alfred Hitchcock too. Such a good combo:) I saw Vertigo a long time ago but now I must see it again!!
love vertigo, such a great movie! x
Also important to note the use of the color green in the film. Great movie, but then again I’m a big Hitchcock fan.
Excellent movie! Vertigo is one of my favorite Hitchcock films! Would also recommend watching Bell Book and Candle, also with Novak and Stewart, and released the same year as Vertigo…they were so cute together.
It really is such an amazing movie. They did another movie together I saw last year but it was not good at all. She was a witch and thought she put a spell on him and thought he wouldn’t like her if she took the spell off. It was just odd. Vertigo however is classic and so amazing and I have always adored it so much!!!!!!!!
That second film must be Bewitched you’re referring to, right? I am a screen-cap junkie, it’s a silly obsession of mine but it make sme pay attention to so much more detail (cinematography, art direction and composition. And yes, Vertigo is amazing, I have a soft spot for Marnie though… Have you seen?
Misha, the other film they starred in together was Bell, Book and Candle. It’s sort of a weird movie, especially if you aren’t the kind of person to find witchcraft a source of entertainment. I didn’t mind it, but I didn’t like the storyline. Though, I remember being intrigued with the interiors last time I watched it, which was a long time ago. I will probably watch it again soon just to refresh my memory. :)
Oh, and Misha, Marnie is a great movie, despite Tippi Hedren’s involvement. haha I don’t think she’s that great. BUT It is at the top of my DVD Netflix queue, and I remember liking that one last time I saw it. Maybe it has something to do with Sean Connery. Swoon.
im a huge hitchcock fan and this movie is by far one of my favorites. i wish we still dressed like that!
-kellie