There are many extraordinary classic films; however, Vertigo, by Alfred Hitchcock, tops the list. Alfred Hitchcock and James Stewart were household names in the 1950’s. Stewart had appeared in more than fifty films, and three of those fifty were directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The two had previously worked together on the film Rope in 1948; the film Rear Window in 1954; as well as, The Man Who Knew to Much in 1956 (Spoto 569-576). Vertigo, released in 1958, is the fourth, and final, film Hitchcock and Stewart worked on together. Stewart starred as, John “Scottie” Ferguson, alongside Kim Novak, who played the parts of Madeline Elster and Judy Barton. Tom Helmore played Madeline Elster’s husband, Gavin Elster, and Barbara Bel Geddes played the role of Midge Wood. Vertigo earns the distinction of a classic film by Hitchcock’s meticulous attention to detail in staging and camera movement, and the performance of James Stewart.
The film Vertigo, is about a police detective, Scottie, who discovers …show more content…
The mise-en-scene in Elster’s office leaves the impression that Elster is well off, making it plausible that he could afford to have his wife followed in an attempt to help her. In accepting that Elster wants to assist his wife, it makes it easier to accept that he also desires to help Scottie get back into detective work. Scottie and the audience are hesitant to accept this offer. Is Madeline actually possessed by her great grandmother, Carlotta? Hitchcock addresses this issue with the perfect mise-en-scene at Ernie's restaurant, where Scottie observes Madeline having dinner with her husband. Scottie becomes intrigued with Madeline during this scene, as does the audience. Miguel Marias said, “Scottie is going to be captivated by the ethereal, ghostly, hieratic and gliding beauty of Madeleine, which will finally convince him to believe such a fantastic tale and accept the mission of following and protecting her”
The film Vertigo, is about a police detective, Scottie, who discovers …show more content…
The mise-en-scene in Elster’s office leaves the impression that Elster is well off, making it plausible that he could afford to have his wife followed in an attempt to help her. In accepting that Elster wants to assist his wife, it makes it easier to accept that he also desires to help Scottie get back into detective work. Scottie and the audience are hesitant to accept this offer. Is Madeline actually possessed by her great grandmother, Carlotta? Hitchcock addresses this issue with the perfect mise-en-scene at Ernie's restaurant, where Scottie observes Madeline having dinner with her husband. Scottie becomes intrigued with Madeline during this scene, as does the audience. Miguel Marias said, “Scottie is going to be captivated by the ethereal, ghostly, hieratic and gliding beauty of Madeleine, which will finally convince him to believe such a fantastic tale and accept the mission of following and protecting her”