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Vertigo
Threat advisory: High - High risk of entertaining activities
Movie propaganda
An astonishing act of seduction. Hitchcock's darkest, most dreamlike tale of suspense draws the audience in with the air of a mystery, then plunges into a dizzying explanation of romantic obsession.
Today, this same explosive theme, that of a man possessed and a woman hiding secret identities has continued to excite audiences in some of cinema's biggest box-office suspense thrillers. But from its head-spinning imagery to its shocking imagery from its breathtaking cinematography to its dramatic Bernard Herrmann score, from its unwavering sense of mystery to its unanswered question, Vertigo remains that irresistible first love.
Now at last, following one of the most massive restoration projects ever undertaken, Vertigo will have a chance to win over new audiences and resurrect the passion of long-time fans in a stunning new 70 mm version featuring DTS digital stereo.
After nearly falling to his death, John "Scottie" Ferguson (James Stewart) develops an intense fear of heights which means that he must retire from the police department unless he finds an unlikely cure. With the help of ex-fiancée Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes) he attempts to return to a normal life; while he is still recuperating an old school acquaintance hires Scottie to do a little freelance detective work. Gavin Elster's wife Madeleine (Kim Novak) is apparently possessed by a spirit, and is developing neurotic tendencies. But from the moment he sees the beautiful blonde, Scottie begins falling in love...
Cinematic intelligence sources
Intelligence analyst
Special Agent Matti
Theatrical report
Wow, 70 mm is big. Don't sit too close to the screen, unless you like a little domination.
And domination is what you get. But be warned, this film was made in 1958 so it has an entirely different approach to cinema. The special effects are not created by Skywalker Inc, the method of production would never be attempted today, the themes and dialogue are not always comfortable to the modern ear. Which is not to say that it isn't a great film, I just thought that you should be aware of these things before you see it.
Although Vertigo begins with a great opening sequence it soon slows for all that bloody exposition people think films need to have but it builds pace like a steam train: choofing slowly away then before you know it you're hurtling through the countryside like a... well, like a steam train. And that's not all. Just when you think it's all over the plot changes gear and takes you off on a wilder and wilder ride. Luna Park eat your heart out.
The production values are gloriously 1950s: the cars, the hats, the frocks, the pastels, the manners. The actors (although they are more rightly called naturalers than actors, for the performances are generally brilliant, especially Kim Novak's multiple characters) drive around the gay old streets of San Francisco like they were driving around the gay old streets of San francisco. And I (and the characters) use the term in the old sense, sweetie.
It's tense, it's masterful, it's dense, it's coming out on limited release soon.
Security censorship classification
PG (Low level violence)
Surveillance time
157 minutes (2:37 hours)
Not for public release in Australia before date
Film: 10 July 1997 - Sydney
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Some interesting facts
#112: If they hadn't restored this film now, it was so deteriorated that it would have been lost forever.#367: Almost half of the films ever made have been lost because of deterioration.
#812: The film was restored by the guys who did Lawrence of Arabia, at a cost of US $1,000,000.
