Vertigo (1958) Review in 2025
A psychological thriller about a retired police officer who becomes obsessed with a woman he's investigating, leading to a complex and mind-bending exploration of identity, love, and obsession.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes, complex plot, and some suggestive content.
CineReview Recommendation
Vertigo is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery films. It's a complex, layered, and expertly crafted film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Watch it in theaters or streaming, but be prepared for a wild ride!
Spoiler Alert!
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A retired police officer, Scottie Ferguson, is hired by an old friend to investigate his wife, Madeleine, who is acting strangely. As Scottie delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes increasingly obsessed with Madeleine, and his own identity begins to blur with hers. Meanwhile, he also becomes involved with a woman named Judy, who may be connected to Madeleine's past. The film's twist ending reveals that Judy is actually Madeleine, and Scottie's obsession has led him down a path of madness and destruction.
Review Details
story9.80/10
The story is complex, layered, and expertly woven together by Hitchcock. The plot twists and turns, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat, and the themes of identity, love, and obsession are expertly explored.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Stewart and Novak delivering standout performances. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their performances add depth and nuance to the film's complex characters.
characters9.20/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Scottie and Madeleine/Judy being particularly well-written. The actors bring depth and nuance to their roles, making them feel fully realized and relatable.
direction9.90/10
Hitchcock's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human psyche. The film's pacing is expertly handled, building tension and suspense to a thrilling conclusion.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a blend of black and white and color that adds to the film's sense of unease and uncertainty. The use of shadows and lighting is particularly effective in creating a sense of tension and foreboding.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Vertigo is a masterclass in filmmaking, with a complex and layered story, expert direction, and standout performances from the cast. The film's themes of identity, love, and obsession are expertly explored, and the twist ending is both shocking and satisfying.
Cons
The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the complex plot and themes difficult to follow. Additionally, the film's themes of obsession and madness may be triggering for some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I don't know what's real and what's not. I don't know what's happening."
"You're a man who's afraid of heights. What are you doing on a mountain?"
"You're not a man, you're a mouse."
