Vertigo
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: May 28, 1958
8.6
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 376 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
337
Mixed:
26
Negative:
13
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
LamontRaymondAug 30, 2018
Hands down one of the all-time greats. Every time I see this film, it offers me something new. Just SO FAR ahead of its time.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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6
JamedrisApr 17, 2019
I fully understand that it was a "shocking suspense" by the time it made it's way to the cinemas, but nowadays - in 2019 - it's not so great. Characters are a bit plain, the plot is slow and only partially interesting, but the worst thing isI fully understand that it was a "shocking suspense" by the time it made it's way to the cinemas, but nowadays - in 2019 - it's not so great. Characters are a bit plain, the plot is slow and only partially interesting, but the worst thing is that zoom... Of course, it was something new back in the day, new and interesting, but now it looks like Hitchcock is treating audience as stupid, like "look at this, it's important". It'd be bearable if it'd be done once or twice, but this movie is full of scenes like this, slowly zooming in and telling you to pay attention. Okay, Mr H., I got that.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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10
kyle20ellisMar 14, 2022
I am a massive Hitchcock fan; this great director ain't called the Master of Suspense for nothing. Anyway, Vertigo is one of the truly great Hitchcocks. It is a thriller of undeniable complexity not only in plot but also in characterisation.I am a massive Hitchcock fan; this great director ain't called the Master of Suspense for nothing. Anyway, Vertigo is one of the truly great Hitchcocks. It is a thriller of undeniable complexity not only in plot but also in characterisation. It is implausible too i give you that. I will admit the first time I saw this, I didn't understand this, then again this is the sort of film that you need to see more than once. In all departments, this movie is a masterpiece and my all time favourite Hitchcock. For those who say this is the worst movie ever, you would beg to differ if you saw genuine crapfests like Disaster Movie, Home Alone 4, NeverEnding Story 3 and Superbabies:Baby Geniuses 2. They are a trillion times worse than this without a shadow of a doubt.

What makes this movie great? When I re watched this, I got goosebumps. It is quite chilling, suspenseful and extremely haunting. The complex plot tells of a retired cop with a terror of heights who is hired by Gavin Elster to follow his suicidal wife. In the end, he falls in love with her but can't stop her falling to her death. Months later he sees a woman bearing strong resemblance to her, and is drawn into a web of deceit and obsession. There are so many strong moments here, especially Scotty following Madeline up the tower only to witness her falling to her death, but also of the San Francissco locations giving a dreamlike quality to an already dark and complex movie. The screenplay is sophisticated and sharp as well. And I have to mention Bernard Hermann's score, it was phenomenal, along with Miklos Rosza's score for Spellbound and Hermann's for Psycho this is the most memorable score in any Hitchcock film, and is guaranteed to have your hairs standing up on the back of your necks.

The direction from Hitchcock is simply masterly. The cinematography isn't dated at all. It is stylish and full of contrasts of dark and bright colours, and is also very brooding and intense. I had very little problem with the film's pace and length; in fact let me rephrase that I had no problem with it. I felt actually that Torn Curtain had a much slower pace, and for me that film while good is one of my least favourite Hitchcock movies. The acting I thought was exceptional. Kim Novak starts off a little wooden, but she is certainly very beautiful and enigmatic. In the duel role of the suicidal wife and the woman bearing resemblance to her, she does an in general excellent job, considering both are extremely demanding roles. About James Stewart, whether he was a racist I don't know, but simply I don't care. Whether you are racist or not, it shouldn't matter when it comes to acting and films. What matters is that Stewart was a great actor who rarely gave a bad performance. In this film, he gives one of his best performances, shattering his Mister-Nice-Guy persona with a dark, brooding and truly complex characterisation. Barbara Bel Geddes also gives a terrific performance as Midge.

All in all, a superb film, that deserves recognition as one of Hitchcock's best films. Seriously, it is one of the most effective depictions of romantic fatalism in all of cinema. An unforgettable masterpiece, 10/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
DukeJonJun 20, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Finally got round to watching this the other day and it wasn't what I expected. James Stewart's character is an unlikeable creep who manipulates and harasses women. His idea of stealthily trailing someone is to drive two cars behind then walk ten feet behind them for days at a time. The whole plot is very unplausible, the contrived idea of having a fake wife using Stewart as a fall guy could have fallen through in dozen's of different ways; why the husband didn't just push his wife off a cliff and make it out to be an accident instead of using this overcomplicated plan is beyond me. I might also say that if my wife changed her hairstyle and hair colour and put on different clothes I wouldn't fail to recognise her as my wife, yet we are expected to believe Stewart's character didn't recognise Madeline/Judy when she's standing literally right in front of him. For me the real star is the excellent score by Bernard Herrmann, and the cinematography (in particular lighting and locations). An eerie mood and tone permeates the film throughout. Beyond that is a slow unconvincing plod to the sudden shock ending. One of the best movies ever made? Hitchcock has done far better work than this.… Expand
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10
Nimbus1701Apr 27, 2020
Avoid watching any trailers for this, to retain maximum impact. The story is best consumed as a suspense/mystery, layered with great photography and a memorable string-heavy orchestral score. When a film retains its influence 60 years afterAvoid watching any trailers for this, to retain maximum impact. The story is best consumed as a suspense/mystery, layered with great photography and a memorable string-heavy orchestral score. When a film retains its influence 60 years after release - you know its going to be good.… Expand
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8
AndremaxFeb 21, 2020
It's compreehensive "Vertigo" being considered by many people as best movie ever made. I don't know until where it's truth, but that's a great one, it is.
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10
alejandro970Dec 2, 2018
An autentic shocker of suspense from the one and only master. James Stewart in one of his "top of the mountain" roles, as a detective hunted by his worst fears. Also remarks the title sequence by Saul Bass, Kim Novak, and the score by BernardAn autentic shocker of suspense from the one and only master. James Stewart in one of his "top of the mountain" roles, as a detective hunted by his worst fears. Also remarks the title sequence by Saul Bass, Kim Novak, and the score by Bernard Hermann. At side of Spirited away and Lawrence of Arabia, one of shall see before you die... Or else!… Expand
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6
DeanomiteJun 26, 2020
rewatching Hitchcock movies in a row, this one does not for me stand up to the best. He mastered the disaster movie (The Birds), the slasher (Psycho-the first slasher movie), the spy movie (North by Northwest), film noir (Shadow of a Doubt),rewatching Hitchcock movies in a row, this one does not for me stand up to the best. He mastered the disaster movie (The Birds), the slasher (Psycho-the first slasher movie), the spy movie (North by Northwest), film noir (Shadow of a Doubt), the thriller (Strangers on a Train), the voyeur (Rear Window) but to me this one is boring. lots of cool scenery, postcard backgrounds. I loved Kim Novak as the love starved pretty girl when I was younger but now a hot girl who cannot find love seems implausible. I get tired of Jimmy Stewart, he is always skeptical about something. The opening is amazing, you can see it referenced in The Matrix, how better to be scared of something than see somebody die that way. I also did not like "Dial M for Murder" or "Rope" but the 39 steps was great.… Expand
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9
auburnnOct 7, 2018
This movie is freaking long and obscure, which perhaps only make it greater...
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9
Morty_McFlayNov 26, 2019
An exceptionally well-made film. While it’s not as entertaining on first viewing compared to other Hitchcock films like Rear Window and Psycho, it lends itself to closer inspection and theorizing with its seemingly infinite layers of subtleAn exceptionally well-made film. While it’s not as entertaining on first viewing compared to other Hitchcock films like Rear Window and Psycho, it lends itself to closer inspection and theorizing with its seemingly infinite layers of subtle messages and themes. Great performances from Stewart and Novak guided by the typically pristine direction of Hitchcock and a perfect score and script make this one of the best films ever made. The score I give is more down to personal preference, more a feeling than anything else.… Expand
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10
TMProofreader3Aug 23, 2019
The best, GREATEST thrilling mystery romance movie ever made! With the best movie score ever composed!
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10
AmirMHMDFeb 3, 2019
Without doubt this was the best movie I've ever seen. Although Hitchcock's each movie is better than the other but I strongly believe that VERTIGO was his masterpiece. There isn't any bad point about this movie I or anyone can say. ItsWithout doubt this was the best movie I've ever seen. Although Hitchcock's each movie is better than the other but I strongly believe that VERTIGO was his masterpiece. There isn't any bad point about this movie I or anyone can say. Its directing,music,etc all were great.… Expand
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10
surf1ngthevoidJun 1, 2019
Your head is not going to stop even a second. if you are a psychological thrillers lover, I must highly recommend it to.
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 23, 2021
Any fan of Alfred Hitchcock will have heard of Vertigo - its held in high esteem by fans of his as well as fans of classic mystery and thriller movies in general. This movie, as others of its time, uses a heavy classical score to add a strongAny fan of Alfred Hitchcock will have heard of Vertigo - its held in high esteem by fans of his as well as fans of classic mystery and thriller movies in general. This movie, as others of its time, uses a heavy classical score to add a strong air of mystery and suspense, with the different instruments (such as strings and drumlines) putting across how the director wanted the audience to feel about the different scenes (like in the equally well known and regarded 'Psycho'). When I think of this being used to such an effect in a modern movie, the first one that comes to mind being Jurassic Park and you certainly can't argue that was used to add to the atmosphere, to make the viewer (hopefully) feel overawed and taken aback by the scale of it all, given that particular story.

The opening titles to this movie are quite psychadelic, depicting multiple colours in a kaleidoscope type sequence, its quite hypnotic and very mysterious. There's one other scene that portrays John clearly in a deep sleep, having a disturbing dream, or more of a nightmare, which is highlighted by bright multi-coloured neon lights flashing across him, so there is a strong effort to put across tension through colour, which makes sense given the original movie dates from the late 1950s and colour in film was presumably fairly new then (correct me if I'm wrong). Its clear fairly early on that both the main characters are somewhat mysterious - we learn that John, or Scottie as he's sometimes referred to, has this acrophobia very early on but yet its clearly put across that what he witnesses early on isn't what caused this phobia to form, rather it highlighted that he already had it and we don't really know where this originally came from, so even if though minor, you wonder about the background of this person. The way he puts himself across on screen, you can't help but wonder about his motives and background as well, so he is rather mysterious in a sense, although much more mysterious is the other main character, Madeleine. She is, obviously, a rather fragile woman, who keeps things to herself but even from a distance John can see that things aren't necessarily as they may seem... the friendship or even romantic element between the two is quite intriguing, as John becomes more and more fascinated by her. She is very coy and as a viewer its a case of the fact that she gives away so little, that makes you more intrigued to find out more. However, this is only one half of the movie, after it takes a sinister turn and certainly there are a couple of plot twists present in the movie, one of which I felt was more obvious, for want of a better term, than the other. The ending is rather shocking and very sudden, given the lack of ending credits - instead the last scene is shown and it cuts abruptly to the 'Paramount Pictures' screen, which I suppose gives it more impact. I'd say that after shortly after a certain point, after the first plot twist (if you can call it that) occurs, you may have an idea of where the story is going, although its not entirely confirmed until close to the end but even then, the ultimate outcome is still rather shocking. If your prepared to watch and follow the story right through to the end then it should have some impact, although it may move a little slowly for you given on what you prefer. This movie is mainly about the characters, although the story itself is obviously rather well thought out. Given the age and type of movie that it is, there isn't alot of action as such, there's no strong violence or language or obviously CGI of course but then this is a different type of movie, its really about putting across a constant air of mystery and intrigue about these characters and if your happy to buy into it and follow the story through John's eyes then its certainly an enjoyable watch. Yes I'd recommend this movie. The performances or characters, especially that of the two main characters portrayed by James Stewart and Kim Novak are both very well portrayed and there's quite a strong sense of mystery and intrigue put across throughout.… Expand
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10
MglovesfunJan 8, 2020
The combination of the beautiful backdrop, plot, and performances from James Stewart and Kim Novak all contribute to one of Hitchcock's greatest ever cinematic masterpieces.
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10
RobwinzJul 31, 2020
Vertigo is honestly a masterpiece, I loved the story, I loved how Scotty Ferguson (James Stewart) gets obsessed over this woman after the events happen to her and how it changes him throughout this film. Also, I think the cinematography fromVertigo is honestly a masterpiece, I loved the story, I loved how Scotty Ferguson (James Stewart) gets obsessed over this woman after the events happen to her and how it changes him throughout this film. Also, I think the cinematography from Robert Burks is honestly beautiful throughout this masterpiece of a movie. Overall, I feel like this movie didn't make me feel bored for a second because it's quite an interestingly good movie from start to finish, it's honestly worth the watch.… Expand
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10
AhmadrezamehriMar 24, 2020
بهترین فیلم جنایی تاریخ سینما با داستانی شگفت انگیز و تعلیق فراوان و بازی فوق العاده بازیگران خصوصاً جیمز استوارت و پایانی شگفت انگیز و ارائه بی نقص و جذاب داستان توسط آلفرد هیچکاک که دیدن این فیلم را برای هر مخاطب سینما اجباری می کندبهترین فیلم جنایی تاریخ سینما با داستانی شگفت انگیز و تعلیق فراوان و بازی فوق العاده بازیگران خصوصاً جیمز استوارت و پایانی شگفت انگیز و ارائه بی نقص و جذاب داستان توسط آلفرد هیچکاک که دیدن این فیلم را برای هر مخاطب سینما اجباری می کند
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10
SinewsApr 5, 2020
I remember watching Vertigo with my mom when I was about 13 and still wet-behind-the-ears in most respects when it came to film. I remember my mom holding this movie in an unusual esteem and personal engagement that she so rarely heldI remember watching Vertigo with my mom when I was about 13 and still wet-behind-the-ears in most respects when it came to film. I remember my mom holding this movie in an unusual esteem and personal engagement that she so rarely held anything in. My mom was my mom though, and when she loved something, she really loved it, more than anyone has loved anything else, and this, to her, was one of those movies. I didn't fully get it as a kid. Where movies were supposed to make you feel emboldened and secure in your values, this strange new kind of movie flew in the face of that, and seemed to like making you feel cold, naked, and dumb.

It's been years since then, and I've seen this movie quite a few times. It's the perfect, endlessly-rewatchable thriller. Knowing the conclusion to the whole affair actually improves, holding the audience captive in perfect suspense, with each insidious narrative turn tightening the noose around the audience's neck. And when the conclusion does arrive, the first-time unassuming audience is shocked, but not offended. All along there were clues, inaccuracies that could only possibly amount to one conclusion. It's not so much that the audience forgets these clues as much as they choose to forget these clues, preferring one "truth" over another.

It's this predicament that our protagonist, Scottie Ferguson, finds himself. However, his actions run perpendicular to the audiences wishes, turning up every stone, prying at every loose end until inevitably he undoes whatever happy ending he wrote for himself. It's his feverish search for "the truth" that makes him such a tragedy, and, to his friend and living-partner Midge, a comparatively well-adjusted, capable woman, such a mystery. He's the kind of paranoid, troubled individual who gets by on the notion that people are never really paying attention to the right things. His "truth" here is the mystery of one Madeleine Elster, a wife of an old friend who he (meaning the friend) believes to be possessed/hypnotized/some odd thing. Less important to Scottie are the specifics, choosing instead to understand a "bigger picture" that chronically eludes him.

Hitchcock's direction perfectly compliments the sadness and claustrophobia of the film, which is shot in film's favorite city, San Francisco, which just so happens to be my home city. The film prefers quiet over loud, dimly lit, gothic cathedrals with narrow, dark corridors, paired with voyeuristic figures looking on like a moth attracted to lit. It prefers empty city streets and lifeless, seemingly abandoned docks. It's the city as intimate and naked as it comes. Not so much Norman Rockwell as it is Edward Hopper, the film is photogenic as all-get-out, but unbearably lonely. The lighting enhances the mood, using shadows at the edge of the screen to draw its figures together, obscuring desired women-as-objects under sickly green curtains. Vertigo take its audience's plaintive hopes for some virtue or nugget of personal triumph, and, rather than lazily turn it against them, draws upon our collective sadness for inspiration. In the end, Scottie is an everyman, living only to view goodness and light through some distant lens, and is simply the victim of being too observant, too clever, and too skeptically honest to ever really leave well enough alone. He's an emblem of the eternal shifting mass of the chronic, who remain miserable in their search for fulfillment, yet blinded by its need for closure. When the ideal presents itself, reality follows, ever-mocking, ever-naked in its approach.… Expand
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10
mnemosyneMay 20, 2020
He combined the zoom and the moving lens to shoot a stairwell lens from top to bottom, which successfully caused the protagonist's dizzy psychological feeling of fear of heights. His method is to lay the stairwell model sideways, the cameraHe combined the zoom and the moving lens to shoot a stairwell lens from top to bottom, which successfully caused the protagonist's dizzy psychological feeling of fear of heights. His method is to lay the stairwell model sideways, the camera is aimed at the stairwell, and slowly push the model at a distance, and the zoom lens starts at the telephoto (telescope head) and slowly pulls it into a wide angle. It must remain the same on the screen.… Expand
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10
AndrewHordMay 29, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In my opinion,Vertigo is the best Hitchcock`s film.It has the most beautiful cinematography of all his films.I like everything about it.The roles were played in stunning way.… Expand
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10
PsychopathicTimMay 14, 2021
One name. Bernard Herrmann.

The music adds to the mystique and mystery of this incredible movie to a degree that transcends even the greatest movies of today. A story of a man whose love for a woman turns into an obsession and drives himOne name. Bernard Herrmann.

The music adds to the mystique and mystery of this incredible movie to a degree that transcends even the greatest movies of today. A story of a man whose love for a woman turns into an obsession and drives him into a rabbit hole. An incredible story, and something you have to experience.… Expand
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10
sasribeiroMar 22, 2022
Sempre gostei muito das obras do Hitchcock, mas Vertigo se supera em vários sentidos!! O diretor imprime com maestria o suspense e a tensão passado pela atriz principal.
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7
akshatmahajanNov 20, 2021
I have been watching Alfred Hitchcock's movie nowadays. His movies are so different and fun to watch.

This movie had everything a thriller crime drama should have. It was nicely made. The direction and the performances by the actors wereI have been watching Alfred Hitchcock's movie nowadays. His movies are so different and fun to watch.

This movie had everything a thriller crime drama should have. It was nicely made. The direction and the performances by the actors were good. There is thrill and suspense till the end.

There were some things that I didn't like about the movie especially the conclusion part. It was little bit underwhelming. Also, movie felt little bit long for this type of story. Other than that it's a good watch.

Overall, it is a good crime drama thriller which will keep you bounded till the end.… Expand
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9
XmoviefilmsSep 26, 2020
A beautiful storytelling with mystery and thriller elements. Tho some parts were left unused, this is a must watch drama of old and essential cinema.
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10
MAX4DNov 23, 2020
Another masterpiece by director Alfred Hitchcock. This movie is really a weird and good work. I watched it many times.
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8
Am-I-A-MartianMar 22, 2021
Great thriller with an original story. Great mix of suspense and drama. Truly a must-see
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10
AJ_13Feb 26, 2021
Acting, music, plot, cinematography.... absolutely everything in this movie is AMAZING. Hitchcock's best.
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10
ZenblondeJun 28, 2021
The newly restored film version is so crisp & sleep. Paramount did a great job & was lucky to watch it on #ARTE. Alfred Hitchcock gets me every time and personally I do prefer #VERTIGO to Citizen Cane, but then again, why even compare. TheThe newly restored film version is so crisp & sleep. Paramount did a great job & was lucky to watch it on #ARTE. Alfred Hitchcock gets me every time and personally I do prefer #VERTIGO to Citizen Cane, but then again, why even compare. The Cinematography, Acting, Pacing, Screenplay, Lighting, Camera Moves, Score, Sound Mixing & Editing. Everything put together is the Platinum Standard of Filmmaking. Enjoy with some buttery truffles popcorn a dry Martini, stirred not shaken or Champagne and Strawberries. Every time we travel to the Gold Coast & pass by the Scenery I feel like I am in a Hitchcock movie. What a treat. One also learns a lot about psychology and life in general by entering the mind of the Puppet Master...… Expand
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10
NickTheCritickNov 22, 2022
A former San Francisco cop terrified of heights falls in love with the woman he's supposed to protect, but appearances hide reality.
Few words to describe this noir masterpiece. Only Hitchcock could make a film like this.
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10
IamaliOct 15, 2022
Another masterpiece from the master of cinema: Hitchcock.
The film can be said to have the best direction in history with a wonderful camera and unique techniques and excellent form.
Bernard Herrmann's music, which conveys dizziness to us, isAnother masterpiece from the master of cinema: Hitchcock.
The film can be said to have the best direction in history with a wonderful camera and unique techniques and excellent form.
Bernard Herrmann's music, which conveys dizziness to us, is perfect and beautiful.
The main point of the film is its suspense, which Hitchcock performed perfectly in this film, the perfect acting of Novak and good Stewart.
In the end, it can be said that Vertigo is a masterpiece in the history of cinema, but it is not the best film in history!!!
Because it is a short distance away from the best movie in history, Rear Window.… Expand
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8
royalguy07Sep 14, 2022
The mystery was extremely well done, was confused a little by some dangling plot lines left unresolved, any resolution to Midge's storyline being the main one. Excellent score and performances.
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7
the_shadhu_khanApr 18, 2023
quite good film it was. one time watching . classic films always been special to me
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9
DinoHippieApr 30, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. excellent movie, surprise ending, I didn't expect that it was two different women and the scene in the bell tower was dark and wonderful… Expand
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