Vertigo

An interesting piece of work, no doubt. You cannot deny its excellently built atmosphere, which in tense moments escalates in a way that only Hitchcock was able to. Most of his films also boast masterfully crafted cinematography and, of course, music, two factors that in this thriller give the viewer a sense of dread – of course, I'm thinking mainly of the grandiose scenes from the church tower. But the story, however well thought out, loses pace in many places, and the behaviour of individual characters in relation to a given situation sometimes seemed to me, if not completely nonsensical, at least very strange. I guess that's Hitchcock's personality, though, I don't seem to have enough sympathy for his films to earn the highest ratings. (21/01/2012)

It’s overcomplicated, but fun. Admittedly, it has totally insane colors, makeup was obviously put on Stewart and Novak by a colorblind makeup artist, and the rear projection follows one plot twist after another... But at least the fetish will remain in the end. Because only those who have nothing left to lose will kiss like that. There are interesting acting creations and as a bonus Barbara Bel Geddes - alias Miss Ellie. (18/04/2013)

An interesting and mysterious genre mix that left me quite confused. Not that I didn’t get it, Vertigo is made with such finesse and sensitivity that it’s impossible to get lost (in fact, I’d say it allows for several interpretations), what confused me is the way it becomes something different every five minutes. For a moment it’s a thriller, then sci-fi followed by a romantic bit, only to carry on as a crime drama. I don’t have anything against it, I had a lot of fun, but I prefer Hitchcock when he’s more genre pure. 8/10 (07/07/2009)

Vertigo is another skillful and artful work of a capable director, which does not lack both solid acting performances and quality technical workmanship (kudos especially for the vertigo scene with the staircase). A former detective suffering from acrophobia is tasked with tracking down the charming wife of an old acquaintance, only "in the end" everything doesn't go according to plan, but ... and this is where the film's nicely thought-out tiwst comes in, shedding a whole new light on the story. If it weren't for the (for my taste) drawn-out ending, it would have been a clear five stars, as some fifteen minutes less running time wouldn't have hurt it at all. In short, a nearly perfect film that manages to really surprise the viewer in some moments, which is very important. (21/01/2012)

A wonderfully mysterious film, the kind of honest spectacle that gets more and more interesting and suspenseful, and is a joy to watch the first and hundred and first time around. James Stewart gave a tremendous performance, and he fell for Kim Novak in a way that probably anyone would. And Hitchcock's thoughtful shots are more than just tinged with Herrmann's music - it's just a sensation. (24/04/2016)