Vertigo
Synopsis
Following his early retirement as a detective from the San Francisco Police Department, John Ferguson - Scottie to his friends - becomes obsessed with two women in succession, those obsessions which trouble his long time friend and former fiancée, Midge Wood, a designer of women's undergarments. The first is wealthy and elegant platinum blonde Madeleine Elster, the wife of his college acquaintance Gavin Elster, who hires John to follow her in Gavin's belief that she may be a danger to herself in thinking that she has recently been possessed by the spirit of Carlotta Valdes, Madeleine's great-grandmother who she knows nothing about, but who Gavin knows committed suicide in being mentally unbalanced when she was twenty-six, Madeleine's current age. The second is Judy Barton, who John spots on the street one day. Judy is a working class girl, but what makes John obsessed with her is that, despite her working class style and her brunette hair, she is the spitting image of Madeleine, into who he tries to transform Judy. The initial question that John has is if there is some connection between Madeleine and Judy. What happens between John and individually with Madeleine and Judy is affected by the reason John took that early retirement: a recent workplace incident that showed that he is acrophobic which leads to a severe case of vertigo whenever he looks down from tall heights.
Critical Acclaim
Upon its release in 1958, Vertigo received a mixed critical reception. While Alfred Hitchcock was already an established master of suspense, some reviewers regarded the film as a lesser effort compared to his earlier works. The film's complex narrative and psychological depth did not initially resonate with all audiences, and its box office performance was underwhelming. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times described it as "far-fetched nonsense," reflecting the skepticism of some contemporary critics.
However, with time, Vertigo underwent a significant critical reevaluation. Roger Ebert later praised it as "one of the two or three best films Hitchcock ever made" and emphasized its "hypnotic, dreamlike quality." Modern critics have lauded its innovative use of color, the haunting score by Bernard Herrmann, and the intricate performance of James Stewart. The film now holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its transformation into a classic. Its exploration of themes like obsession and identity is often cited as ahead of its time, contributing to its modern acclaim.
Today, Vertigo is frequently cited as one of the greatest films ever made. It was named the greatest film of all time by the British Film Institute's Sight & Sound poll in 2012, dethroning Citizen Kane after 50 years. The film's enduring influence is evident in its impact on filmmakers and its frequent inclusion in film studies curricula. Its complex narrative structure and psychological depth continue to inspire directors and captivate audiences, solidifying its status as a landmark in cinematic history.
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