As a writer (and perfectionist) I can understand the intricacies involved in obsession...planning down to the smallest detail. It's a powerful feeling...and that is how this film works...it's an obsession.
Detective Scottie Ferguson (Stewart) is a retired cop who meets up with an old acquaintance, Gavin Elster (Helmore) who has a job for him. Elster wants Scottie to follow his wife Madeleine (Novak). In general it's a complicated story...but she's messed up. Scottie follows her and becomes obsessed. She commits suicide and Scottie is left alone with his obsession. And then he meets a woman who looks like Madeleine. Her name is Judy (also Novak), but she is nothing like Madeleine. So like any man with an obsession...well, I can't give away too much information. But it is creepy and obsessive.
Anyway, as a film student I can understand/appreciate the intricate details Hitchcock uses to illustrate Scottie's obsession. But as a viewer its hard to watch. It moves slow, and the plot is incredibly complicated. The first time you watch it, how are you supposed to keep up? And honestly, after the first time...why would you want to watch it again? Yeah, it's incredible...but hard to watch.
--: I don't know what to say about it...it's supposed to be great, and it is...but if you want to enjoy film this isn't necessarily the film for you.
--: However, watch it for the sheer beauty of film...it's impressive
Vertigo (1958) 128 minutes
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: James Stewart as Det. Scottie Ferguson
Kim Novak as Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton
Barbara Bel Geddes as Midge Wood
Tom Helmore as Gavin Elster
Detective Scottie Ferguson (Stewart) is a retired cop who meets up with an old acquaintance, Gavin Elster (Helmore) who has a job for him. Elster wants Scottie to follow his wife Madeleine (Novak). In general it's a complicated story...but she's messed up. Scottie follows her and becomes obsessed. She commits suicide and Scottie is left alone with his obsession. And then he meets a woman who looks like Madeleine. Her name is Judy (also Novak), but she is nothing like Madeleine. So like any man with an obsession...well, I can't give away too much information. But it is creepy and obsessive.
Anyway, as a film student I can understand/appreciate the intricate details Hitchcock uses to illustrate Scottie's obsession. But as a viewer its hard to watch. It moves slow, and the plot is incredibly complicated. The first time you watch it, how are you supposed to keep up? And honestly, after the first time...why would you want to watch it again? Yeah, it's incredible...but hard to watch.
--: I don't know what to say about it...it's supposed to be great, and it is...but if you want to enjoy film this isn't necessarily the film for you.
--: However, watch it for the sheer beauty of film...it's impressive
Vertigo (1958) 128 minutes
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: James Stewart as Det. Scottie Ferguson
Kim Novak as Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton
Barbara Bel Geddes as Midge Wood
Tom Helmore as Gavin Elster
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