| Plot | A former police detective is hired to follow a woman he becomes obsessed with, leading to a complex web of deception, mistaken identities, and a tragic denouement. |
| Genre | Psychological thriller • Mystery |
| Title | Vertigo |
| Director | |
| Starring | |
| Release year | 1954 |
| Critical reception | A major critical and commercial success, now widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. |
''Vertigo'' is a 1954 psychological thriller film directed by Fritz Lang and starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. The film follows former police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson, who is hired to follow the apparently suicidal wife of an acquaintance, only to become obsessed with her. As Scottie's obsession deepens, he becomes entangled in a complex web of deception, mistaken identities, and a fear of heights that threatens to destroy him.
''Vertigo'' was produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures, with a screenplay by Alvin Sapinsley based on the 1954 novel ''D'entre les morts'' by Boileau-Narcejac. Lang, a German-American filmmaker known for his groundbreaking expressionist and film noir works, was brought on to direct the project.
The lead roles were cast with two of the era's biggest stars - Ingrid Bergman as Madeleine/Judy and Cary Grant as Scottie. Their performances, infused with Lang's trademark psychological intensity, would become iconic.
The film opens as Scottie, a former San Francisco police detective, is forced to retire after developing an extreme case of acrophobia and vertigo following a rooftop chase. He is then approached by an old college friend, Gavin Elster, who hires Scottie to follow his wife Madeleine, whom he believes is possessed by the spirit of a dead relative.
Scottie shadows Madeleine as she visits locations associated with her supposed ancestress, becoming increasingly captivated by her mysterious behavior. After saving Madeleine from an apparent suicide attempt, Scottie falls hopelessly in love with her. However, Madeleine's sudden death leaves Scottie traumatized, and he becomes obsessed with finding a woman who resembles her.
The second half of the film follows Scottie's descent into madness as he becomes convinced he has found Madeleine's doppelganger in a young woman named Judy Barton. Scottie forces Judy to dye her hair and dress like Madeleine, leading to a devastating revelation about Madeleine's true identity and Scottie's role in the deception.
Upon its initial release, ''Vertigo'' was hailed by critics as a masterpiece of film noir and psychological cinema. Lang's taut direction, the brooding performances, and the film's exploration of themes like obsession, identity, and the human mind's fragility were widely praised. It was a major commercial success as well, solidifying Lang's status as one of the era's most acclaimed directors.
In the decades since, ''Vertigo'' has only grown in stature, with many critics and filmmakers considering it one of the greatest movies ever made. It is revered for its innovative visual style, clever narrative structure, and profound examination of the darker aspects of the human psyche. The film's influence can be seen in countless later thrillers, dramas, and psychological character studies across cinema.
Today, ''Vertigo'' is regarded as a landmark work that pushed the boundaries of the thriller genre and cemented Lang's reputation as a cinematic visionary. Its complex themes, unforgettable performances, and ingenious formal techniques ensure its enduring legacy as one of the crowning achievements in the history of film.
