Rating: 
Summary: To be enjoyed by all ( especially Kubrick fans )
Review: Masterfully done, Vertigo is the example of how to create a classic, and be remembered for it. This movie ( along with other Hitchcock films ) is most probably where Stanley Kubrick formed his ideas for camera angles, as each ange in this movie is unique. I shall not reveal the plot ( you can read another review for that ), but rather tell you to just click the
Buy-It-Now sign. Oh, and look for my other reviews. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Hitchcock's direction turns this into a masterpiece
Review: I've seen this 1958 film before and was therefore familiar with the plot. Watching it now, I was again impressed with its complexity and the way that Alfred Hitchcock made sure that the audience understood it. Knowing the plot, however, added to my enjoyment of the film because I could relax and concentrate on the performances and the skill in which the entire film was put together.Jimmy Stewart plays an ex-detective who's terrified of heights. It's his Achilles heel and the bad guy in the story takes full advantage of this. Stewart's a fine actor and he's outstanding in this role, which requires him to show weakness and neurosis. Kim Novak is cast in complex duel role, which calls for a both an icy mystery around her as well as earthy sensuality. She's a competent actress, but she is so strikingly beautiful that her physical presence overshadows her acting abilities. Barbara Bel Geddes is cast in a comedic role as a friend of Stewart's who can't hide her attraction for him. It's a small part and she plays it well. It's the story itself and the way that Hitchcock directed it that drives the film and turns it into a masterpiece. There are the camera angles and the sense of vertigo created by zooming forward and tracking backwards. There's the use of color and filters to give a dreamlike quality to many of the scenes. There's scrupulous attention to detail in the choice of costumes and there's hypnotic music throughout. The DVD explains all this as well as the painstaking job of restoring the original film. I was intrigued by it all as it added depth to my understanding. I highly recommend Vertigo, especially on DVD. It hasn't lost any of its original luster. In fact, it's gotten even better through the years.
Rating:
Summary: I know. . . .
Review: . . . I am not the only one who was like, "What the . . .?" after their first viewing of this film. I was convinced that there was some conspiracy that randomly picked this film and declared it a masterpiece, without there being a real basis for such adulation. I was confused about the story, character development and the overall sense that this film should be looked upon as an all-time great. I then resolved to things: 1) I did not like this movie and 2) I would never view this movie again. I later discovered I was wrong on both accounts. Future viewings, combined with reading cinematic studies on the film, soon made me realize that there were very surreal, tragic aspects of this film that I did not initially pick up on during my first seeing it. What is so great is witnessing the downward spiral of the James Stewart character (vertigo -- this idea or theme -- dizziness, falling, etc. -- has so many layers). And Kim Novak, Hitchcock may have wanted Vera Miles, but in my opinion, Ms. Novak was Madeline/Judy. So much so I think that is what confused me during my first viewing -- I knew both characters were being played by the same person, I was unable to connect the dots. This collectors edition DVD is a great compliment to any film lover's collection with all the special features, bonus footage, etc. This is a must see film.
Rating:
Summary: A Haunting Masterpiece
Review: Each time I watch this movie, I begin to appreciate it a whisper more. This movie needs to be seen again and again in order for one to truly appreciate it's complexity. Maybe that's why it wasn't regarded as a masterpiece when it first opened. Trust me-it isn't hard to watch this movie repeatedly. It is not a movie that is concerned with what events are necessarily needed to push forward the plot; rather it is more concerned with the dynamics needed in order to move forward, and what each character must do and think in order to advance the plot. The greatest thing about Vertigo is it's quiet intensity. The movie is so subtle it nearly plays like a silent movie, yet the images and thoughts presented are shockingly vociferous. Vertigo, to me, is reminiscent of an opera or a musical. Bernard Hermann's lush (and hands down best) score compliments Hitchcock's thought-provoking lyrics. One lenghty scene for example, where Jimmy Stewart is following Kim Novak as she vamps her way around San Francisco, has little to no dialogue, yet it reads a Broadway showstopper with no singing or quite possibly a ballet with no choreography. Vertigo is a haunting masterpiece, and although it may not be pretty or lovely to look at, it is still one of the most beautiful movies ever made.
Rating:
Summary: The Heights Of Perfection
Review: Director Alfred Hitchcock's most romantic thriller got a "face lift" in the mid-90s from the team that more recently worked on REAR WINDOW. VERTIGO tells the story of John 'Scottie' Ferguson (James Stewart), an acrophobic detective, who is asked by a friend Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore) to follow his suicidal wife (Kim Novak). After "Scottie" rescues her from San Francisco Bay, he finds, that he is attracted to her. Once the attraction turns to obsession, he must confront his own fears and desires, in order to find true happiness. When the film was released in the late 50s, critics and audiences alike, didn't quite know what to make of it. Fortunately, over time, the film has become one of the most beloved motion pictures of all time--that honor is justly deserved. Thanks to fine performances, a memorable score from composer Bernard Herrmann, and breathtaking cineamatography by Robert Burkes, the film is among the very best of the director's long list of films. The extras on the "collector's edition" focus much attention on the restoration of the film. The documentary even includes the overseas ending of the film. Also included are the vintage theatrical trailer and the restored version trailer. A VERTIGO photo gallery, production notes, cast and filmmaker biographies, and a comparision between the original film and the restored print-What a difference. VERTIGO is a highly recommended classic, made even better, thanks to the DVD format
Rating:
Summary: Dizzying! Spellbinding!
Review: Admittedly, this is not my favorite Hitchcock film. However, this is truly a great movie. For some reason, when I first saw it about 15 years, I did not appreciate the subtlety of the filmmaking. Jimmy Stewart is great in this film. If you don't buy this DVD, then at least rent it and watch this!
Rating:
Summary: Radient
Review: I am slowly becoming a fan of Alfred Hitchcock and am glad of it.This is his first movie that I have watched all the way through so far(of his work), and it totaly shocked me.Unlike today's films I was hocked through the entire thing and couldn't believe how it ended.I am in between finishing Rebbecca and soon hope to get Phsyco.Another one I need to watch now.
This movie had my jaw droped and heart beating.
Beyond excelent.
Rating:
Summary: Hitch, You Just Keep Me Hangin' On
Review: I saw this movie at the ripe old age of 7 or 8 when it was originally released. At the time, I was a total Kim Novak fanatic. My aunt knew her secretary and my violet bedroom was plastered with autographed Kim pictures and my existence was pure KIM until I saw this movie. Within 5 minutes, I was absolutely glued to the screen and sort of disassociated myself from Novak-mania and got into the story. The plotline had more ups and downs than a roller coaster going full tilt boogie. I was completely sucked into the world of Madeline/Judy. The acting itself was pretty understated, but the story was not. While the plot may have been a little thick for a child, the absolute terror I felt was something you can carry around for a lifetime. I developed a total fear of heights which remains today. Each time I watch it, my toes curl and my knuckles go white as I grip my armrest.
The new DVD edition has brought this movie back to its original pristine condition to create the ultimate technicolor nightmare. Forty+ years after its original release, it is amazing just how good this movie still is. While the acting is excellent, the real star of the film is Hitchcock. This is the master at his best. I have two VHS copies, but they are collecting dust. If you want to experience ultimate Vertigo, buy this DVD. Just wonderful.
As for all the critics who dissed this film at its original release-----BAH! This will go down as one of the Hitchcock's best!
Rating: 
Summary: WATCH YOUR STEP!
Review: Vertigo--a classic--it was terrific!
Rating: 
Summary: Implausable
Review: Alfred Hitchcock, by numbers, has made more good films than any other director. 'Veritigo', on the other hand, is his most overrated movie. I liked the slow pace of 'Vertigo', giving the viewer small clues as Stewart chases Novak across San Francisco. The story is complex both plot wise and psychologically, but in the end, it is very implausable. It may take a few viewings to fully understand everything that went on, but the viewer may finally ask themselves, "Why would anyone go through all that trouble?"
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