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Vertigo

Vertigo

1958
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
2h 8m
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Avg Percentile 76.14% from 9353 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(9353)
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Rated 27 Apr 2008
99
99th
Haunting, mesmerising psychological mystery from the master of suspense. The soft focus, the lush contrasting colours that weave around Novak, the evoking score all help set the surreal mood. Hitch then makes us captive witnesses as we ride the wave of Scottie's battered emotions and deepening obsession, finally cringing at the shattering of mind and spirit in the exquisitely agonising conclusion. Superlative film, Hitchcocks best.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
6
99th
Like a long, slow-burning fuse leading to a pile of dynamite. Even better, just when you think you've recovered from the initial blast, Hitchcock drops another bomb on you. When it was over, there was nothing I wanted to do more than watch it again. Brilliant work.
Rated 18 Feb 2007
6
98th
Strip away its arch weirdness, its psychological complexity, its high-concept soap-opera-ish plot with its elaborate staging and twists and double-crosses (naturally, all the things that make it such an endlessly fascinating piece of strange), and you're left with a story that, for 1958, and perhaps even 2018, feels fairly radical: an abusive, emotionally disturbed cop desperately tries to fashion a loving woman into a fetishized object of obsession until, eventually (inevitably?), he kills her.
Rated 05 Feb 2007
100
99th
Hitchcock's greatest masterpiece. This film involves, shocks, amazes, and of course, features one of the best endings EVER.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
98th
Hitchcock's finest movie. Also an extremely strange, dreamlike and mysterious film, especially for the time. It seems to have directly influenced a number of David Lynch's films, among others. James Stewart seems both miscast, being really too old for the role, and perfectly cast, with his folksy Hollywood charm being in a way precisely what is thrown into question, seeming to conceal some kind of sexual dysfunction that threatens to violently explode.
Rated 05 Jul 2015
100
97th
Easily the best psychological thriller ever made. Dreamlike and hypnotic, it reveals new layers and nuances upon each rewatch. Words simply don't do it justice.
Rated 02 Feb 2007
100
98th
Possibly Hitchcock's greatest achievement.
Rated 12 Nov 2007
100
99th
Here Hitchcock reaches depths he never has before, depths he must not have realized he could reach until the film started coming together. Obsession is a rich subject to work with, and this pierces right to the center of it, bringing forth emotions that defy semantic explanation. The tension is palpable, the acting incredible, and Hermann's score shines. The best from the master of suspense.
Rated 27 Jul 2008
10
97th
(2nd viewing) A tragic and grim story, and one of the best suspense films ever (but this was another film I did not like the first time around). You always discover something new while watching one of Hitchcock's films, which means his films were so layered and well constructed; I understand why he was considered one of the all time greats. During those 2 hours, I'm both focused and amazed as my mind is trying to put the pieces together. It's an amazing thriller you shouldn't miss.
Rated 14 Aug 2008
6
95th
Wandering. I love to wander through this completely insane and beautiful film.
Rated 10 Sep 2008
100
99th
Hitch's films have always been at least remotely cynical, but this is the Master at his most dry and distinct. He also makes you complicit to a madness and objectification that, in film terms, is irredeemable - which if you believe you're sane, should scare you.
Rated 06 Jul 2014
92
98th
This is great. Each time I watch it, the more I empathise with Stewart's damaged character as he is put through the wringer; this is a tremendous performance. All the elements of the film come together wonderfully, in particular Herrman's score is sublime. Although I do find this film ultimately quite bleak, and not a little troubling, it is one which rewards attention, and is right up there with the best of Hitchcock's work.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
99
99th
Jimmy Stewart really goes into the dark side with this one and it's one of Hitchcock's best because of it. It's an amazing character study of a man battling his demons and Stewart's performance is complemented perfectly by the visual creativity of Hitchcock.
Rated 09 Feb 2007
5
93rd
A masterpiece of virtuoso visual design and methodical pacing. Everything about this film is unforgettable, from the moody shades of color, and Herrmann's haunted score, to Jimmy Stewart's shocking and mean-spirited turn.
Rated 02 Sep 2012
95
99th
Groundbreaking camera work and an outstanding score conjure up almost peerless movie magic, spellbinding us. And so does Jimmy Stewart's most impressive performance as Scotty in the last act. Hitchcock's finest trick (in this, his finest film) is the sudden switch from addictive puzzle to uncomfortably twisted drama about a blinding compulsion to dwell too much on (and even go to sick lengths to try to recreate) a past to which we can never return. And indeed, it is argued, nor should we try to.
Rated 30 Jun 2007
98
98th
Now this is a classic. I mean you got Jimmy Stewart, Hitchcock, and a damn good mystery. Yes, I know, there are a lot of those, but this is the best one of the bunch. Jimmy Stewart shines, and Hitchcock's direction is unforgettable. Vertigo has such compelling characters, you actually feel for Stewarts character, and the mystery he needs to solve is one you try to solve on your own. Sure it is flawed here and there, but there is no denying that Vertigo is a benchmark of mystery films. Excellent.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
96th
My favorite Hitchcock movie. Has to be seen to be understood, because of the amount of work that went into making what is probably the most intricate and engaging suspense movie around.
Rated 03 Feb 2008
35
13th
Hitchcock's most overrated film. I know film students dissect his camera angles that make viewers feel the disorientation the protagonist does, but the plot is where this one really fails badly. There is absolutely no plausibility to be had here in the climax and the film doesn't even allow us the luxury of suspension of disbelief because it spends all its previous time establishing reality and drawing you in. Don't believe the hype--avoid and save yourself the letdown.
Rated 22 Mar 2008
85
78th
Contrived plot (which De Palma swiped boldly two decades later for OBSESSION, one of his better movies) is well-handled with Hitchcockian sleight of hand aided and abetted by Stewart giving his usual fine performance. Great locations, beautifully shot. Not an earth-shattering classic (both REAR WINDOW and NORTH BY NORTHWEST are better), but there are lots worse ways to spend a couple of hours.
Rated 21 Jul 2008
100
98th
A dark, rich, complex and suspenseful thriller from the master himself Alfred Hitchcock. Compelling characters, and powerful directing! An all-time great!
Rated 19 Dec 2008
100
99th
Haunting film stays with you for days. More of an experience than a movie, the entire thing seems little more than a dream-- but what a dream. Ending is on par with rest of film that is truly one of the master's greatest works.
Rated 20 Dec 2009
100
99th
A powerful film about obsession. The likable Stewart has never been less likable, and this makes his character more compelling. Novak's acting skills may be limited, but Hitchcock uses this limitation to make her character appear overwhelmed and vulnerable. The pace is slow, but it must be slow so that the viewer will come to empathize with Stewart's obsession. And then suddenly the ending comes rushing toward us, filling us with pity and despair.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
98
98th
Vertigo is a wonderful movie that can be enjoyed by absolutely anyone. It's easily one of Hitchcock's best works, which ultimately makes it one of the best movies ever created.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
90
86th
Big stars, gorgeous and Hollywood, yet personal. A thriller about a weak, fucked-up individual played by one of Hollywood's most likable stars. Lovely example of how Hitchcock can be as intellectual as any of the auteurs we have rammed down our throats in film school, yet still fun
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
96th
Vertigo is about obsession, futile attempts at understanding and redemption that can't be ignored or escaped. Stewart is uncharacteristically callous and desperate, but his character is all the more compelling for it. The film doesn't really grab you as immediately as some of Hitch's other masterpieces, but I can't think of another that leaves the same haunting melancholy afterward.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
98th
While Rear Window is my personal favorite by Hitchcock, this is a strong number two, and I'm sure most people would count it among the top three at least. I don't know what I can say about Vertigo that hasn't been said many times over, so I'll just mention that I believe the score to be Herrmann's most beautiful work.
Rated 25 Nov 2007
60
43rd
the main woman has really irritating eye brows.
Rated 07 Feb 2012
95
98th
A nigh-on flawless mix of bravura visual style and multi-layered plotting and characterisation. The story twists are expertly executed, and the atmosphere - thanks largely to an unforgettable Bernard Herrmann score - is rich and dream-like. But for me the film is all about Stewart's character and his intense (and frightening) need to obtain the unobtainable. Obsession, lust, desire, betrayal, deceit, this film has it all.
Rated 18 Jul 2007
85
61st
Again, great until the end. "Eek, a nun!" *splat*
Rated 06 Aug 2007
44
2nd
Probably the most overrated film of all time. I am going to spoil the ending for you: a magical nun appears out of nowhere.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
A brilliant combination of high tension and dreamy, almost un-natural calm. Hitchcock's greatest work, as far as I'm concerned.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
89th
Cinematically beautiful and thrilling, Vertigo is a masterpiece.
Rated 25 Sep 2007
70
41st
Contrived and implausible. And in places not terribly convincing (the scene where Scottie and Judy meet, for example). Also not sure exactly what the finale was supposed to mean...was it black comedy? (a la Psycho)--or what? I've seen this movie three times now, and I still don't get what all the big to-do is about.
Rated 08 Aug 2009
4
96th
Not at all the kind of thing you'd expect from Hitchcock; it's too unthriller-y, too ghostly and mystical. The second half of the film throws all that away, admittedly, but by that point we're fascinated instead by Stewart's disturbing character arc. It's masterfully made, with an ethereally beautiful score.
Rated 14 Jul 2010
95
93rd
I can't believe it took me a second viewing to see that Vertigo is a masterpiece. I am honestly ashamed of that. Just shows how much I've grown as a film-watcher, though. It has one of James Stewart's best performances. Kim Novak is excellent, Barbara Bel Geddes is great. The photography is superb. The score is iconic. My first time I said the story was hard to believe and confusing but I don't think that anymore either. The suspense of the nail-biting final minutes is undeniable. (two times)
Rated 25 Apr 2011
87
90th
It's Hitchcock, it's tense, but I feel tricked and cheated a little. It's as though I've been duped into liking this as much as I do...
Rated 02 Sep 2012
98
90th
This is a film about watching, about making a film, and about directing an actress. For Hitchcock, therefore, it was very personal, and for us it raises questions about voyeurism and performance that may threaten our feeling for cinema as a whole. So it is a masterpiece and an endless mystery. It's a test case: if you are moved by this film, you are a creature of cinema. But if you are alarmed by its implausibility, its hysteria, its cruelty - well, there are novels.
Rated 08 Jun 2016
96
97th
It's unconvincing that such a needy geezer has all these gorgeous young women falling for him but Hermann's melodramatic score pitches it like a used car salesman. Scottie must conquer his phobia and obsession by reconstructing the past to a tragic fault. A supernatural, psychic bent lends the film a beautiful, unknowable quality.
Rated 24 Jul 2016
8
81st
What begins as an engaging but slow-paced (lots of long driving scenes) supernatural-tinged mystery comes to a tragic climax unexpectedly early, setting the stage for a uniquely extended and deliciously eerie epilogue dealing with the devilish psychological aftermath. The doppelganger intrigue could have been dragged out a little longer before the shocking twist reveal, but an excellent thread of torturous dramatic irony takes its place. A well-acted and surprisingly emotional thriller.
Rated 25 May 2018
26
20th
Didn't live up to the hype
Rated 06 Mar 2019
55
47th
I guess it's fine but overpraised. It could have been interested psychologically but chooses not to be so. Very flawed. The plot is extremely contrived and gets very silly at some points. It is also an introduction to all the ills of modern Hollywood: the massive age gap, the immediate inane love story, the need for overexplanation with the letter... And damn was the third part creepy. The last scene, albeit interesting, is stupid in the face of it. Too many lighting mismatches between cuts.
Rated 01 Dec 2006
100
98th
My favourite Hitchcock and I'm not a personal fan of his work. This film though is simply brilliant and features lots of memorable scenes.
Rated 04 Jan 2007
60
44th
Admirable, inventive, uninvolving.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
30
2nd
I know this is supposed to be Hitchcock's greatest movie, but I just didn't like it and was more irritated by the characters and the plot than anything. I respect the artistry, but I wanted to throw things at the screen half of the time.
Rated 20 Mar 2007
99
98th
Just sitting here, I can re-enact this movie beat for beat in my head and feel as involved as if I were to plop it in the dvd player and watch it for the first, second, third or millionth time. No films before or since have been that personally memorable, nor will they ever be. I am as passionate about this flick as anything in my life, thank God it doesn't suck!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
One of the great American films. Achingly personal and unforgettable, Hitch at his best.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
Vertigo is the coup-de-grace in making you a true Hitchcock-phile. I can't guarantee you'll enjoy it as much as I do (which would seem an impossible feat), but it's the kind of film that you don't just enjoy for two hours, you are enriched by it for a lifetime.
Rated 11 Oct 2007
95
90th
Just when you think you know where Hitchcock's movie is going, it pulls a 180. An amazing piece of cinematography, with murder, romance, and a nice little mystery, done just right.
Rated 15 Nov 2007
64
17th
Yeah it's well made and is teaming with suspense, but the story gets less interesting and characters act increasingly unbelievable as time goes on and the story gets more ambitious.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
100
99th
#2
Rated 01 Mar 2008
100
99th
# 3
Rated 22 Mar 2008
75
76th
Initially I didn't care for it all that much. I decided to take some time before reviewing it. My opinion has changed only slighty. My main gripe is that the movie attempts to make Scottie's descent into obsession subtle and gradual, but only falls flat on it's face (in that respect). The obsession came on suddenly and the transition was too simple. Other than that, it's what you'd expect from Hitchcock. Good acting, plot, dialogue, etc. Good movie? Yes. Hitchcock's masterpiece? I think not.
Rated 12 Jul 2008
88
83rd
This is the way to build tension: slowly, gradually, until it all explodes into the mind blowing ending.
Rated 11 Oct 2008
83
83rd
James Stewart cant go wrong, unfortunately the love affair in this movie is completely unbelievable, and Kim Novak is disappointing. The twists and turns are a redeeming aspect in this movie and camera work is great. If it weren't for people falling in love so easily as to make them seam like rabbits in heat then this movie would have been truly great.
Rated 25 Oct 2008
98
96th
This is an amazing film by Hitchcock, one of the best of all time, an amazing mystery with a story that will keep you guessing. A must see.
Rated 06 Jan 2009
5
94th
Simply put: the greatest movie that ever lived! I keep revisiting the different concepts and layers of this movie, similar to the way James Stewart's character would with his obsessive nature. It's hard not to think about, man: Kim Novak casts a spell on you (Regardless of your sexual preference) and I'd be willing to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge just to listen to Hermann's score. Aaargh.
Rated 16 Mar 2009
100
95th
Hitchcock's romantic story of obsession, manipulation, and fear. Features Bernard Herrmann's haunting music.
Rated 09 Apr 2009
90
95th
I am biased towards the whole 50s and 60s era. Anything from those times is top-notch in my warped brain! I have lost count of the number of times I have been told I am a 50s girl. No wonder James Stewart is high in my 'ideal man' list. Apart from him, there is just something about this movie that captivated me the very 1st time I saw it. The chemistry between the lead pair-there is something devilish in there that I can't put my finger into. Its just a sweet yet haunting feeling I get.
Rated 12 Apr 2009
64
44th
Some brilliantly shot scenes here, but I just couldn't invest myself into the "mystery" of this Hitchcockian Romance film.
Rated 18 May 2009
10
97th
A reeling sensation where you're constantly falling off the edge and trying to put the pieces together. Give me your hand said the officer, you're about to enter the quintessential Hitchcock thriller.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
90
81st
Hitchcock at the height of his powers.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
95
95th
Hitchcock is a master of suspense - suspense of the definitive meditative, gradually building, gripping variety and not the dime a dozen, tired, hit and miss attempts. The ending is one of the most superbly effective climaxes I've seen in film. Much of the film does feel drawn out, but it easy to forgive and forget by the end.
Rated 08 Mar 2010
8
88th
This is my personal favourite Hitchcock piece because it's his most introspective. It's the one that gets into the mind sets and emotions of his characters the best. It's roughly part a search for the truth, part love story (read: obsession) and part conflict of the mind (especially fear). It's hard to explain, but it has such a rich, unique texture and atmosphere that I can't describe it as anything but masterful.
Rated 14 Jun 2010
77
58th
Perfect for those of us that have loved and lost someone. Even better for those of us who have loved, lost, found a similar looking replacement, forced them to dress and act like someone else before eventually being reduced to a certifiable pudding-fed nut-job. Jimmy Stewart, as the guy every mom warned you about, shares a chemistry with Kim Novak that can best be described as indifferent. At one dramatic moment they gaze into one another's eyes the same way one would stare at naval lint.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
93
97th
My second favorite Hitchcock, just behind Rear Window. A spellbinding look into pure obsession and insanity. Jimmy Stewart is amazing in his role.
Rated 10 Oct 2010
79
59th
I don't know what to say.. Must have been high expectations, having the PSI of 95 and all the high ratings for this movie, but I'm left disappointed. It's not a bad movie, but it suffers from few fatal flaws - being an awkward pacing, naive ending, unnecessary Midge character.. The movie had its moments and passage from a typical crime mystery into the surreal drama works great, but in the end I find it overrated.
Rated 25 Jan 2011
100
85th
7 Shaqtaculars
Rated 09 Jun 2011
83
65th
I can appreciate it for the technical masterpiece it is, sure. But there's something about it I dislike immensely, I'm not sure what though.
Rated 30 Sep 2011
83
81st
Hitchcock was at his best when he could bend the story in his hand to the visual theme in his mind. I think Vertigo is the pinnacle of this and his best movie after Psycho. Visually, it is his best movie and one of the best all-time in my opinion. The weird 3D illusion created in the restaurant Ernie's to the weird angles that captured the psychology of the each moment so well, I watched most of the movie with a mouth agape. The story and acting were so-so, but this one talks with images.
Rated 19 Jun 2012
100
99th
After I finished watching it, I went out and kissed my first man
Rated 25 Aug 2012
77
62nd
"Vertigo" the best film of all-time? NO. One of the best of all-time? My answer is still no. I will give it a rewatch some time, though. Hopefully.
Rated 03 Oct 2012
99
98th
What would this movie be with a lesser soundtrack? It would probably be less complex, less gutting. But as it is, a masterpiece collaboration between Herrman and Hitchcock.
Rated 13 Apr 2013
94
99th
It just gets better and better each time you see it. / "If I let you change me, will you love me?"
Rated 02 Jun 2013
8
98th
"...the tragedy of the story springs directly from the tragic nature of the medium." - dave kehr
Rated 17 Oct 2014
52
37th
Client:"so,have you found anything whilst following my wife?"Private Investigator:"first thing old friend,how on earth in your mid 50's did you pull a woman like that in her mid 20's when she's the one who owns the shipyards?That aside,look,she jumped into the bay and I got her out.She was really out of it so I thought rather than take her to you or the hospital I'd take her to my house and undress her,then I'd dry her naked body and put her in my bed.All perfectly normal I'm sure you'll agree"
Rated 02 Jan 2017
100
98th
A multi-layered suspense film that often feels like a surreal dreamscape. This is one of those films where a lot of ink has been written about this film, so my whimsical review is just adding another log to the already powerful blaze.
Rated 16 Nov 2017
70
68th
As almost always with Hitchckock, I really don't understand why his movies are universally considered masterpieces. Take away the iconic zoom shot and the trippy dream sequence and all you've got left is a mediocre mystery plot. Far from bad and obviously well shot with nice use of colours, but still - in my opinion the script is just not very good.
Rated 14 Oct 2018
55
24th
Uhm.. what? Why do people love this movie so much? Is it the story that's completely laid out in front of the viewer halfway through the film? The character that starts out unstable and obsessive and ends up unstable and obsessive? The romance blooming between two characters who share five minutes of screentime, whose interactions turn out to be largely dishonest? The ridiculous ending that renders the entire movie pointless? Sure, it's well-shot, but so it Notorious. Watch Notorious instead.
Rated 05 Aug 2019
88
83rd
A grim wander through the narrative of a psychologically troubled man, heightening the menace effect of obsession with desires. Unique and a staple for future films likewise. Some mesmerizing shots that haunt you through the course of the film.
Rated 28 Oct 2020
85
85th
With movies which are almost as old as I am, there is a great deal of time for people to analyse the real or imagined meaning behind the film, the actors motives and the directors intentions AT THE TIME .. And a lot of time to perfect the stories:"Oh, yes, of course I intended that scalf blowing in the wind to symbolise blah blah". Back in 1958, people DID think differently about women and whilst I think people read too much into these classic films now, that only adds to their value in cinema
Rated 08 Jan 2007
99
99th
The peak of Hitchcock's career. One of the great American films.
Rated 28 Mar 2007
100
95th
My 2nd favorite movie
Rated 10 Apr 2007
86
81st
Fantastic stuff. I loved it.
Rated 27 Jun 2007
80
92nd
The film isn't even a thriller. This is a full-blown psychological drama. The best thing about the film is the score but there are moments of pure cinematic bliss scattered all throughout.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
98th
Hitchcock's crowning achievement in the cinematic form. Try not to feel nauseated during Stewart and Novak's scenes together.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
86th
Bizarre, but so compelling. Hitchcock's masterpiece is up there with the best!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
86th
Haunting...Mesmerizing...Hitchcock's true masterpiece.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
8
93rd
Starts as an exciting Hitchcockian detective mystery, evolves into an evocative and more ambitious journey into creepy obsession. The "Hitchcock zoom" rocks! James Stewart looks a little old, but I guess I'd still fuck him, so I'll allow it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
99
97th
Artistically, the best Hitchcock film. The type of movie you could watch over and over in consecutive hours and not feel like you just wasted a day. It's excellent. Kim Novak. Very hot (but no Tippi Hedren).
Rated 31 Aug 2007
100
97th
A movie that haunts me for days after every viewing with this question - If the movie went on for just another 45 seconds, what would Scottie do next?
Rated 02 Oct 2007
89
84th
A masterpiece classic by the genius Hitchcock !
Rated 08 Feb 2008
87
83rd
Hitchcock always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Well done.
Rated 05 Jul 2008
90
85th
My favorite Hitchcock film.
Rated 26 Jul 2008
95
97th
An incredible thriller, a masterpiece. It is a masterful look at obsession, among other things, and builds suspense the entire time. I was actually scared during the last scene.
Rated 14 Sep 2008
77
52nd
The craftmanship behind this movie is definitely convincing that this is a piece of movie history. However, this movie does not fascinate me as do other Hitchcock movies.
Rated 12 Nov 2008
100
99th
Fantastic Hitchcock, an all-time classic. Jimmy Stewart with a twist. Highly Recommended.
Rated 29 Dec 2008
95
97th
Very powerful story. Very scary ending (especially if you ignore the forced tack on at the very end). Really good stuff. One of the best movies from the best filmmaker.
Rated 14 Jan 2009
89
90th
It's a great movie, there's no denying that. But masterpiece? No. Technically, perhaps. Especially for its time. The camerawork is fantastic, the score is mesmerizing, the acting is terrific. But there are too many moments that are slightly off about this picture for me to get into bed with it. The mystery is very engaging, but the final act is just so bizarre and awkward, as Stewart's character shifts into total lunacy. The finale is so abrupt as to be almost comical. Hitch has done better.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
96
98th
My favorite Hitchcock movie.
Rated 16 Jan 2009
95
97th
Hitchcock is simply amazing. Although in the beginning, the movie seems dry and predictable. In a simple turnaround, but brutal, the story wins the life and mystery that characterized the work of Alfred.

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