We can only wonder why time changes people's minds on movies. When Vertigo was released in 1958, it had poor commercial and critical reception. It even caused Hitchcock to lash out at different actors blaming people for its failure. Things may have been different if he could see the future. He had already made Rear Window and would soon direct Pyscho, North by Northwest, and The Birds. No one denies these are all-time classics, but what is his masterpiece? I have seen all four of these and many critics including myself argue this previous afterthought movie has emerged as the best.
📽️STORY: A former police detective is hired for a job with which he becomes obsessed while battling his own personal demons.
Hitchcock is known as the 'master of suspense'. He purposely tries to tell as much of the story as possible without words. That's not a knock against dialogue-heavy directors like Quentin Tarantino, but it is just his style which he does very well. The film goes for several minutes at a time with only music and the actors. I feel like each scene has something hidden that we miss. It may be how the lighting changes when an important plot point happens or something much smaller with how the character reacts. I believe I'd need to watch the movie again and again. Even then, I'm not sure I could find it all, and that is what makes a thrilling mystery movie.
As if I needed more proof that James Stewart is one of the best actors of all-time, I received more. I already consider his role in It's a Wonderful Life in my top five performances. This other role helps solidify his status. What's crazy is that critics called him a miscast at the time of its release. He was called too old for a romantic role even by Hitchcock after the movie. He was nearly 50, but that doesn't stop a professional actor.
James Stewart's co-star was in her mid-20s, so I can somewhat understand why critics were concerned. Kim Novak is this star. Her performance is just as good as Stewart with arguably a more challenging task.
From a technical standpoint, this film is exceptional. It earned an Oscar nomination for sound and art direction. I want to emphasize art direction. The famous 'vertigo' camera trick originated from this movie the camera quickly panning away. Other shots include specialty lighting effects and a plethora of varying shots to keep you guessing.
I could write several more paragraphs, but I don't want to give anything away. I was stunned a couple of times from the twists, and I want others to experience that too!
Every now and then a film causes me to become enthralled. Vertigo is that film. Honestly, I'd love to talk about this movie more, so go watch it today and then find me. My film rating is an A+.
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