Dir. Alfred Hitchcock
USA, 1958
Considered to be Hitchcock's magnum opus, Vertigo was initially a dud at the box office. The storyline, a retired detective, Jimmy Stewart, is asked by a friend to spy on the possible paranormal happenings of said friend's wife, Kim Novak, which leads to Stewart's character becoming obsessed with her, was not well received by the audience or the critics. Because of such disdain for the film, Hitchcock refused to work with Stewart ever again, citing his age as the reason for the audiences dislike. However, as years passed, Vertigo received a second look and became the epitome of all of Hitchcock's work.
Vertigo is by far my favorite film of Hitchcock's. Perhaps it is my adoration for James Stewart as an actor or perhaps it is due to all of the drama behind the film. Initially, Vera Miles was supposed to play the character of Madeline, however, due to her pregnancy, she had to drop out last minute, forcing Hitchcock to cast Kim Novak. Novak was not so understanding of Hitchcock's controlling nature and butted heads with him at each possible moment. She complained about her costume, her hair, every last detail, which drove Hitchcock crazy. Even Edith Head, head costume designer for many of Hitchcock's films, reeled at the absurdity and conflict within each scene between the director and the actress. No one is sure if it was Hitchcock or Novak who decided to not work with the other again, but it was probably for the best.
Although, there is all of this going on behind the scenes of Vertigo, the true reason for my mesmerization of the film is due to the autobiographical nature of the Stewart's character. Like many writer/director/auteurs, Hitchcock was obsessive in his control of what the audience saw, how the actors were portrayed, how the camera was tilted, everything from writing to post production. This is quite common for most filmmakers who fill so many different roles in order to gain control of the finished product. Yet, Hitchcock's control didn't stop there. He became infatuated, lustful, and obsessed with each and every one of his lead actresses. From sending look alike dolls of Tippi Hedren to her daughter, Melanie Griffith, or detailing head to toe how Grace Kelly should be dressed, he delved into their lives in the most personal of ways. Stewart's character becomes the same sort of obsessive man in Vertigo. He becomes intrigued by the mysteries of Madeline, to the point where he loses all sense of reason to try and bring her back. The portrayal of the character is haunting and mesmerizing. Perhaps, one of the best acting jobs by the stammering Stewart I've ever witnessed. Definitely, a worthwhile watch for a Stewart or Hitchcock fan. Vertigo is one of the lost masterpieces, and to think, what lurks behind the camera is the character in carnate himself, Mr. Hitchcock.
USA, 1958
Considered to be Hitchcock's magnum opus, Vertigo was initially a dud at the box office. The storyline, a retired detective, Jimmy Stewart, is asked by a friend to spy on the possible paranormal happenings of said friend's wife, Kim Novak, which leads to Stewart's character becoming obsessed with her, was not well received by the audience or the critics. Because of such disdain for the film, Hitchcock refused to work with Stewart ever again, citing his age as the reason for the audiences dislike. However, as years passed, Vertigo received a second look and became the epitome of all of Hitchcock's work.
Vertigo is by far my favorite film of Hitchcock's. Perhaps it is my adoration for James Stewart as an actor or perhaps it is due to all of the drama behind the film. Initially, Vera Miles was supposed to play the character of Madeline, however, due to her pregnancy, she had to drop out last minute, forcing Hitchcock to cast Kim Novak. Novak was not so understanding of Hitchcock's controlling nature and butted heads with him at each possible moment. She complained about her costume, her hair, every last detail, which drove Hitchcock crazy. Even Edith Head, head costume designer for many of Hitchcock's films, reeled at the absurdity and conflict within each scene between the director and the actress. No one is sure if it was Hitchcock or Novak who decided to not work with the other again, but it was probably for the best.
Although, there is all of this going on behind the scenes of Vertigo, the true reason for my mesmerization of the film is due to the autobiographical nature of the Stewart's character. Like many writer/director/auteurs, Hitchcock was obsessive in his control of what the audience saw, how the actors were portrayed, how the camera was tilted, everything from writing to post production. This is quite common for most filmmakers who fill so many different roles in order to gain control of the finished product. Yet, Hitchcock's control didn't stop there. He became infatuated, lustful, and obsessed with each and every one of his lead actresses. From sending look alike dolls of Tippi Hedren to her daughter, Melanie Griffith, or detailing head to toe how Grace Kelly should be dressed, he delved into their lives in the most personal of ways. Stewart's character becomes the same sort of obsessive man in Vertigo. He becomes intrigued by the mysteries of Madeline, to the point where he loses all sense of reason to try and bring her back. The portrayal of the character is haunting and mesmerizing. Perhaps, one of the best acting jobs by the stammering Stewart I've ever witnessed. Definitely, a worthwhile watch for a Stewart or Hitchcock fan. Vertigo is one of the lost masterpieces, and to think, what lurks behind the camera is the character in carnate himself, Mr. Hitchcock.