Tuesday, March 06, 2018
Vertigo
- Commentary: Believe it. The first time I saw this movie, in my life, was late last year. What can I say, part of my Alfred Hitchcock ambivalence, I guess. I was driven to check out the movie and watch it when I was watching a review of old films on YouTube and saw a cut of Jimmy Stewart's face from this movie looking very much like that cut of horror on his face in It's a Wonderful Life when he is on the brink of suicide. Hmmm... I thought. I'd like to see more of that. I always enjoy a Jimmy Stewart performance that pits his nice-guy image against his horrified image, even if it was a Hitchcock film and, thus, previously a point of avoidance for me.
Well, I was riveted from the beginning. Firstly, it's a treat for me to watch a movie for the first time that is decades old and made with completely different techniques across the board. This movie was not a disappointment. Secondly, it's a fucking good movie! In fact, I understand why it's considered a great movie. Thirdly, the swing of the movie is so active and masterful that it completely involved me right up to the end. There wasn't a second, from the benign beginning to the surprisingly melodramatic ending, that allowed me to look away. It was a no-brainer that I would add this movie to my collection. I've already watched it twice since it entered my house. I just can't get enough of it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Stewart John Ferguson Kim Novak Judy Barton/Madeleine Elster Barbara Bel Geddes Marjorie Wood Tom Helmore Gavin Elster Henry Jones The Coroner Raymond Bailey Ferguson's Doctor Ellen Corby McKittrick Hotel Mgr. Lee Patrick Car Owner mistaken for Madeleine
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up on this film.
Release Date: 1958
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Labels: alfred-hitchcock, drama4, film-noir3, henry-jones, james-stewart, melodramaC, popcorn-and-soda2, suspense1, thriller1, tragedy1
