31 May 2015

Vertigo - 1958

Although, not considered Alfred Hitchcock's best, this is a movie I enjoyed watching.

Firstly I must mention the movie credit graphics.
I remember seeing these patterns as a child in fairs. There used to be a small toy consisting of two plastic gears with various holes in them. Putting a pen and running these gears along each other would generate numerous patterns. I used to be fascinated and wondered how so many patterns were created from such a simple device.
Of course later on I came to learn about these patterns  and the mathematical concepts behind them.
Never the less, the usage of these simple drawings to invoke a very primal reaction of disorientation, I think is real genius.

Apparently, Hitchcock also devised a cinematography technique to convey the lead characters acrophobia which went on to become popular as the Vertigo Effect.

The movie is based on a book by Boileau-Narcejac the story goes through several foreseeable twists. It is well paced and has several well played supporting characters.

Barbara Bel Geddes does an excellent job at playing a woman who has hope in half of her heart and despair in the other. The girl who is caught in, what would later be called, 'the friend zone.'

Kim Novak, is breathtakingly beautiful and gives a stunning performance.

Vertigo - 1958 - Wiki

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