Vertigo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vertigo is a 1958 thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes. It drew a wide audience and shaped its genre.
Plot
San Francisco detective John "Scottie" Ferguson and a fellow policeman chase a crook on the roofs of several houses; Scottie slips and nearly falls. His colleague attempts to rescue Scottie, but falls to his death. Some time later, Scottie has retired due to acrophobia and accompanying vertigo caused by the incident. Midge, his ex-fiancée, says that another severe emotional shock may be the only cure. Midge retains feelings for Scottie, but he is not receptive to her intimations.
Production
Written by Samuel A. Taylor and Alec Coppel, the film was produced by Paramount Pictures. Bernard Herrmann composed the score. Robert Burks handled the cinematography. The film runs 128 minutes. The crew and editing refined every shot.
Reception
On a budget of $2,479,000, Vertigo grossed $7,808,900 worldwide at the box office. A critic consensus praised its screenplay and score.
Legacy
Its legacy endures through a remake, a sequel and a lasting franchise; later cinema cites its influence and symbolism.
See also
References
- "The 100 Greatest Films of All Time". topfilms100. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- Ebert, Roger. The Great Movies. Broadway Books.
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