Vertigo (PG)

Film

Film noir

Stewart_&_Novak_02_cmyk.jpg

Time Out rating:

<strong>Rating: </strong>5/5

User ratings:

<strong>Rating: </strong>3/5
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Time Out says

Brilliant but despicably cynical view of human obsession and the tendency of those in love to try to manipulate each other. Stewart is excellent as the neurotic detective employed by an old pal to trail his wandering wife, only to fall for her himself and then crack up when she commits suicide. Then one day he sees a woman in the street who reminds him of the woman who haunts him... Hitchcock gives the game away about halfway through the movie, and focuses on Stewart's strained psychological stability; the result inevitably involves a lessening of suspense, but allows for an altogether deeper investigation of guilt, exploitation, and obsession. The bleakness is perhaps a little hard to swallow, but there's no denying that this is the director at the very peak of his powers, while Novak is a revelation. Slow but totally compelling.
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Release details

Rated:

PG

UK release:

1958

Duration:

128 mins

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Comments & ratings

Rated as: 3/5 (9 ratings)
  • Not fast enough...

    Sonic the Hedgehog Mon Apr 8
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  • Not as good as Transformers.

    Michael Bay Mon Apr 8
    Rated as: 1/5
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  • Went to see this at Tyneside Cinema recently. Ruined by the quality of the print. So hazy you could not even make out people's faces. Complained by e-mail about this to the Tyneside Cinema, guess what! Not heard back.

    Kevin Mon Oct 8 2012
    Rated as: 1/5
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  • I'm with "neon messiah" on this one. I like Hitchcock films, but I wouldn't give this 5 stars. I saw "Vertigo" at BFI - interestingly the flyer they give out giving background to the film was written by a film lecturer who said he wasn't overly impressed with the film the first time he saw it. Doesn't cut the mustard compared to modern thrillers, but good to see nonetheless.

    MikeT Wed Sep 19 2012
    Rated as: 2/5
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  • mesmerizing

    casssius Wed Sep 12 2012
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • A case of the emperor's new clothes I'm afraid. Interesting in parts but highly overrated movie and a terrible ham fisted ending.

    neon messiah Wed Jun 15 2011
    Rated as: 2/5
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  • The first film in what is perhaps the greatest trilogy of all time. A masterpiece.

    Ghidera Sun Dec 12 2010
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • The first time I saw this film I didn't like it at all. It seemed over-extended and akward in conception. Now I think it must be the best Hollywood film of the high cold war period. Noirish vision has been replaced by a slightly numbing order of prosperity and chilly natural and urban beauty. 'Crime' is denuded of any degrading detail. Intent is completely mute and obsession seems more real because its so matter of fact. For me, somehow Vertigo reflects American confidence and determination while plumbing its darker contradictions creating a world where everone and everything is suspect. Kim Novaks' performance is pure visual metaphor -- a once in a lifetime role, like Louise Brooks as Lulu in Pandora's Box.

    John Sun Dec 27 2009
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • a fascinating film, lots going on. some say hitchcock's best tho i prefer psycho. anyway, if u haven't seen this one i wud highly recommend u do

    benjamin ross Wed Jul 8 2009
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • A fascinating study of human obsession. I completely agree with Time Out, it does lose it´s intensity, but keeps the viewer interested.

    Magmabulle Sun Jun 8 2008
    Rated as: 5/5
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