Ep. 33: Psycho ➡
Episode 32: Alfred Hitchcok’s Vertigo (1960)
Rotten Tomato Score: 92%
Step inside the enigmatic world of Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" with us where we peel back the layers of this cinematic treasure. Prepare to have your perception of obsession and identity radically altered as we dissect the psychological complexities woven into this 1958 thriller. We promise a journey that will not only dissect iconic scenes but also provoke a deeper understanding of Hitchcock's vision, exploring everything from spirals and colors to the film's impact on industry standards and rankings.
Join us as we navigate the film's nuanced character dynamics, particularly the troubling power imbalances and Scotty's obsession that blur the lines of reality. We debate the merits of the performances, with Chad offering a fresh critique of James Stewart's portrayal, while I reflect on the film's pacing and evolution over time. Our analysis ventures into the controversial and transformative scenes with Midge, Judy, and Madeline, inviting you to ponder the role of women not just in cinema, but in the broader societal canvas Hitchcock paints.
As we wrap up, our discussion shifts to Vertigo's lasting legacy, including its contentious toppling of "Citizen Kane" and the pioneering use of computer graphics that catapulted the film industry forward. We unpack the haunting score and its occasional overbearing presence, and muse over the film's striking use of color and motifs. We thank our listeners for joining us on this journey, and encourage you to keep the conversation alive on www.screamsandstreams.com and our Instagram, @ScreamStreamPod. Your thoughts and engagement are what make our horror movie aficionado community thrive.
Plot Summary:
A former San Francisco police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, who may be deeply disturbed. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
We both gave the film a 6 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Only One Wanderer: Behind the Scene Facts
11 Dizzying Facts About Vertigo
5 Things You Might Not Know About Alfred Hitchcock’s Masterpiece, Vertigo