Vertigo (1958) // dir. Alfred Hitchcock

A timeless and influential classic from the Master of Suspense.

Vertigo was recently heralded 'The Greatest Film of All Time' in Sight and Sound magazine's 10 yearly poll, unexpectedly toppling Citizen Kane off the top spot following its 5 decade long reign. But is it a film worthy of such a renowned accolade? Vertigo is an exploration of love, obsession, deception, and of course what would a Hitchcock film be without a murder? James Stewart is John "Scottie" Ferguson, a newly retired police officer following an accident relating to his acute acrophobia. An old college friend convinces John to reprise his detective role and investigate his wife Madeleine's (Kim Novak) unusual behaviour. After an incident at San Francisco Bay, the pair fall in love until her untimely death rips them apart. Following her demise, Scottie becomes obsessed with a Madeleine look-alike he meets outside a flower shop. But is she all that she seems? In their 4th collaboration, Stewart proves why he was continually selected to play the relatable, and humble everyman in Hitchcock's murder-mystery thrillers. Relatively unknown at the time, Novak seemed an unusual choice to join the famous list of  "Hitchcock blondes", but her anonymity added to the intrigue necessary for her already desperate and vulnerable role. Aside from the performances, Hitchcock's use of clever camera trickery, and the almost hallucinogenic nature of some scenes cements his status as an innovative visionary, way ahead of his time. But, Vertigo would not be complete without its memorable musical score, composed by Hitchcock favourite Bernard Herrmann. It is as atmospheric as it is haunting, and fits Vertigo's mysterious tone perfectly. Famously ignored upon its original 1958 release, critical acclaim for Vertigo has snowballed during the intervening years, solidifying its status as one of the true classics. The Hitchcock's of the modern era are indebted to Vertigo, with reputable directors, such as Martin Scorsese, citing it as one of his biggest inspirations.

So, is it really the greatest film ever? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing is certain, without its lasting legacy and influence, it's questionable whether some of the films we know and love today would have ever been made. So for that, we should be eternally grateful. Master Hitchcock, we salute you!