
User Reviews
8.6
User score
Universal Acclaim
positive
512(91%)
mixed
42(7%)
negative
9(2%)
Showing 47 User Reviews
Jun 9, 2026
10
Obra maestra de la historia del cine y la mejor película de la historia del cine
May 12, 2026
7
Greetings from Lithuania.
"Vertigo" (1958) is a movie made by Alfred Hitchcock which I saw few times as of 2026. I rewatched it in 2026 a newly remastered 4K UHD release - and it does look incredible thanks to a VistaVision cameras that it was filmed back in the day. The performance by Kim Novak is the highlight of this film as well beautiful cinematography, beautiful set design and intriguing and twisted story. But this is not my favorite Hitchcock's movie by far and I personally do not thing that it is a great movie. I found it to much bloated in terms of storytelling - at 2 h 8 min it does drag and it goes mostly in circles. Overall, "Vertigo" isn't a great movie for me - I found it to be a pretty good one. It is to slow and a bit boring honestly - it focuses to much time on the "following that person" storytelling aspect, and the very ending just takes to long be unpacked. Solid film, but far from great one either.
Apr 29, 2026
7
A very well made mystery film, but it feels strange, and sometimes I wonder what is the point? The lack of a cohesive moral or message leaves it feeling a bit empty.
Jun 9, 2025
7
Another Hitchcock banger. If this guy had modern technology and filmmaking capabilities present in screenplay and special effect techniques, he would be the best director in history across any genre. What a fun plot twist, involving a character that is never on screen, so it would be nearly impossible to predict, and then the thematic scope present in the film through different characters or even the vertigo itself is hard to fully grasp in just two hours, making for a great rewatch.
Apr 29, 2025
10
Great movie, second favorite Hitchcock behind North by Northwest. Excellent acting
Apr 17, 2025
9
Pure atmosphere, somehow the grandfather of "Lost Highway," "Mulholland Drive," and "Body Double," extremely stylishly directed, and Bernard Herrman's score is amazing! And the Technicolor colors! And the shot compositions (especially all those involving mirrors)!The script does seem a bit contrived, though nowhere near as contrived as "Rear Window," which I find increasingly worse with increasing distance (?!). And James Stewart is THE face of Hollywood cinema in the 1940s and '50s, but I still don't consider him a particularly good **** any case, I highly recommend it; it already hints at some of the things Hitchcock would later explore in "Psycho" and "Marnie."
Apr 13, 2025
8
A very good film with some excellent acting. The story line is great and as with almost all Hitchcock films, it's well directed, holding your interest until the end!
Mar 26, 2025
8
I have to admit that I had never heard of this film, however, I had the opportunity to see it. I have to admit that the camera effect that distorts perspective is surprising. The way it explores obsession, love, and emotional and physical paralysis; I like that it touches on so many themes. It's surprising how they played with the limited technology available at the time. The steep urban landscapes are very beautiful; they somehow play a crucial role in the narrative. It's interesting to learn about some fears and psychological themes that perhaps aren't talked about but exist, such as phobias. The use of colors, such as green, associated with Madeleine, and the visual composition of the settings reinforce the themes of obsession, illusion, and duality. The environments play with light, shadows, and perspectives to create a constant feeling of tension, bewilderment, and impending tragedy. Personally, I liked and enjoyed the plot of the film and in some ways how much they managed to achieve so that the view of the film and the little they had for its recording was enough for the public of its time to play with the lights and scenes to the extent that it was possible.
Sep 18, 2024
6
Jimmy Stewart's fourth and final collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo casts him in the role of John Ferguson, a detective whose life unravels when he develops acrophobia during a rooftop foot chase. A troubling picture in many ways, from its complex, effectively unsettling filmmaking to the distressing personal changes undertaken by Ferguson in the third act. Hitchcock is, of course, a master of the craft and there's much to be learned from his efforts behind the camera (the now-infamous dolly zoom, tricks with lighting and foreshadowing, a casual pace that somehow never seems to grow stale) but also plenty cause for concern regarding the actions of his on-screen counterpart. In a Hitchcock film, it's nothing new for a visibly older gentleman to effortlessly draw the affections of a young blonde. Stewart's no exception in this film, pulling buxom Kim Novak (twenty-five years his junior), but his particular brand of obsession quickly grows dark and insistent, leading to some very squeamish scenes as he draws close to unraveling the conspiracy that's ensnared them both. Ferguson ultimately pays a price for this turn, but his greater judgment is never lain bare on the screen. Rather, it's abruptly left to the scrutiny of the viewing audience, with more than a nudge to suggest he may not be completely without alibi. Expertly concocted and tragic from a bird's-eye perspective, but worrying from a more introspective one.
Sep 9, 2024
4
I absolutely loved Rear Window but this is just so bland and boring, the plot is questionable and the acting from everyone except James Stewert is very off.
Apr 14, 2024
6
I don't get it. Looking past its technical/historical significance, it falls flat for me. As a thriller, I found it nonsensical and hard to relate, therefor losing any kind of suspense that may have built. Definitely one of those classics that didn't age too well (and I do love plenty of old movies, mind you). Unless I completely misunderstood something here, I think it's very overrated and not a must-see at all.
Mar 21, 2024
10
Just Perfect. Absolutely incredible music from. Bernard Herrman, Acting is Superb, Chef’s Kiss
Jan 7, 2024
9
This is the type of movie you get disappointed of after giving it a chance according to these numerous gleaming reviews. But in the end you realize taht it is all of what it **** story is breathtaking, I got into it in the very first scenes and up until the very last ones. 'Vertigo' subtly oscillates between thriller, drama, sci-fi and noir genres amongst others. I had instantaneous empathy for Scottie (played by James Stewart). His acting is top notch, just as Kim Novak's one (as Madeleine). The plot is complicated but without being obscure. Characters are intertwined in the most poetic ways. Obviously the chase scenes may be lame at times. The morale is great.Environments and camera shots are amazing, especially those in the nature, as they are complimented by one of the most appropriate and powerful soundtrack. Bernard Herrmann's music does an incredible job all along, guiding us deep through the intricate and ever-changing emotions of the **** I watched 'Vertigo' in its restored version, the colours were terrific, and add a depth to the context and the scenery. Effects of lights are also to be mentioned.Certainly there are numerous turns of events in the relations of the protagonists that simply are inconceivable these days, the first examples being the major age gap, and the way the man can be seen as a profiteer from the fragility of the woman. And I'm not even referring to this terrible relation quality in the final third of the **** 'Vertigo' may look old and inadequate, it certainly doesn't lack to be full of surprises.
Nov 10, 2023
7
Vertigo was an exciting movie but I didn't like two things about this movie, one is the romance in the movie and the second is that when we don't know why these events happened, I expected a more exciting reason than hiring an actress
Apr 18, 2023
7
quite good film it was. one time watching . classic films always been special to me
Nov 22, 2022
10
A former San Francisco cop terrified of heights falls in love with the woman he's supposed to protect, but appearances hide reality.
Few words to describe this noir masterpiece. Only Hitchcock could make a film like this.
Oct 15, 2022
10
Another masterpiece from the master of cinema: Hitchcock.
The film can be said to have the best direction in history with a wonderful camera and unique techniques and excellent form.
Bernard Herrmann's music, which conveys dizziness to us, is perfect and beautiful.
The main point of the film is its suspense, which Hitchcock performed perfectly in this film, the perfect acting of Novak and good Stewart.
In the end, it can be said that Vertigo is a masterpiece in the history of cinema, but it is not the best film in history!!!
Because it is a short distance away from the best movie in history, Rear Window.
Sep 14, 2022
8
The mystery was extremely well done, was confused a little by some dangling plot lines left unresolved, any resolution to Midge's storyline being the main one. Excellent score and performances.
Mar 22, 2022
10
Sempre gostei muito das obras do Hitchcock, mas Vertigo se supera em vários sentidos!! O diretor imprime com maestria o suspense e a tensão passado pela atriz principal.
Mar 14, 2022
10
I am a massive Hitchcock fan; this great director ain't called the Master of Suspense for nothing. Anyway, Vertigo is one of the truly great ****. It is a thriller of undeniable complexity not only in plot but also in characterisation. It is implausible too i give you that. I will admit the first time I saw this, I didn't understand this, then again this is the sort of film that you need to see more than once. In all departments, this movie is a masterpiece and my all time favourite Hitchcock. For those who say this is the worst movie ever, you would beg to differ if you saw genuine crapfests like Disaster Movie, Home Alone 4, NeverEnding Story 3 and Superbabies:Baby Geniuses 2. They are a trillion times worse than this without a shadow of a doubt. What makes this movie great? When I re watched this, I got goosebumps. It is quite chilling, suspenseful and extremely haunting. The complex plot tells of a retired cop with a terror of heights who is hired by Gavin Elster to follow his suicidal wife. In the end, he falls in love with her but can't stop her falling to her death. Months later he sees a woman bearing strong resemblance to her, and is drawn into a web of deceit and obsession. There are so many strong moments here, especially Scotty following Madeline up the tower only to witness her falling to her death, but also of the San Francissco locations giving a dreamlike quality to an already dark and complex movie. The screenplay is sophisticated and sharp as well. And I have to mention Bernard Hermann's score, it was phenomenal, along with Miklos Rosza's score for Spellbound and Hermann's for Psycho this is the most memorable score in any Hitchcock film, and is guaranteed to have your hairs standing up on the back of your necks. The direction from Hitchcock is simply masterly. The cinematography isn't dated at all. It is stylish and full of contrasts of dark and bright colours, and is also very brooding and intense. I had very little problem with the film's pace and length; in fact let me rephrase that I had no problem with it. I felt actually that Torn Curtain had a much slower pace, and for me that film while good is one of my least favourite Hitchcock movies. The acting I thought was exceptional. Kim Novak starts off a little wooden, but she is certainly very beautiful and enigmatic. In the duel role of the suicidal wife and the woman bearing resemblance to her, she does an in general excellent job, considering both are extremely demanding roles. About James Stewart, whether he was a racist I don't know, but simply I don't care. Whether you are racist or not, it shouldn't matter when it comes to acting and films. What matters is that Stewart was a great actor who rarely gave a bad performance. In this film, he gives one of his best performances, **** his Mister-Nice-Guy persona with a dark, brooding and truly complex characterisation. Barbara Bel Geddes also gives a terrific performance as Midge. All in all, a superb film, that deserves recognition as one of Hitchcock's best films. Seriously, it is one of the most effective depictions of romantic fatalism in all of cinema. An unforgettable masterpiece, 10/10 Bethany Cox
Nov 23, 2021
7
Any fan of Alfred Hitchcock will have heard of Vertigo - its held in high esteem by fans of his as well as fans of classic mystery and thriller movies in general. This movie, as others of its time, uses a heavy classical score to add a strong air of mystery and suspense, with the different instruments (such as strings and drumlines) putting across how the director wanted the audience to feel about the different scenes (like in the equally well known and regarded 'Psycho'). When I think of this being used to such an effect in a modern movie, the first one that comes to mind being Jurassic Park and you certainly can't argue that was used to add to the atmosphere, to make the viewer (hopefully) feel overawed and taken aback by the scale of it all, given that particular story. The opening titles to this movie are quite psychadelic, depicting multiple colours in a kaleidoscope type sequence, its quite hypnotic and very mysterious. There's one other scene that portrays John clearly in a deep sleep, having a disturbing dream, or more of a nightmare, which is highlighted by bright multi-coloured neon lights flashing across him, so there is a strong effort to put across tension through colour, which makes sense given the original movie dates from the late 1950s and colour in film was presumably fairly new then (correct me if I'm wrong). Its clear fairly early on that both the main characters are somewhat mysterious - we learn that John, or Scottie as he's sometimes referred to, has this acrophobia very early on but yet its clearly put across that what he witnesses early on isn't what caused this phobia to form, rather it highlighted that he already had it and we don't really know where this originally came from, so even if though minor, you wonder about the background of this person. The way he puts himself across on screen, you can't help but wonder about his motives and background as well, so he is rather mysterious in a sense, although much more mysterious is the other main character, Madeleine. She is, obviously, a rather fragile woman, who keeps things to herself but even from a distance John can see that things aren't necessarily as they may seem... the friendship or even romantic element between the two is quite intriguing, as John becomes more and more fascinated by her. She is very coy and as a viewer its a case of the fact that she gives away so little, that makes you more intrigued to find out more. However, this is only one half of the movie, after it takes a sinister turn and certainly there are a couple of plot twists present in the movie, one of which I felt was more obvious, for want of a better term, than the other. The ending is rather shocking and very sudden, given the lack of ending credits - instead the last scene is shown and it cuts abruptly to the 'Paramount Pictures' screen, which I suppose gives it more impact. I'd say that after shortly after a certain point, after the first plot twist (if you can call it that) occurs, you may have an idea of where the story is going, although its not entirely confirmed until close to the end but even then, the ultimate outcome is still rather shocking. If your prepared to watch and follow the story right through to the end then it should have some impact, although it may move a little slowly for you given on what you prefer. This movie is mainly about the characters, although the story itself is obviously rather well thought out. Given the age and type of movie that it is, there isn't alot of action as such, there's no strong violence or language or obviously CGI of course but then this is a different type of movie, its really about putting across a constant air of mystery and intrigue about these characters and if your happy to buy into it and follow the story through John's eyes then its certainly an enjoyable watch. Yes I'd recommend this movie. The performances or characters, especially that of the two main characters portrayed by James Stewart and Kim Novak are both very well portrayed and there's quite a strong sense of mystery and intrigue put across throughout.
Nov 20, 2021
7
I have been watching Alfred Hitchcock's movie nowadays. His movies are so different and fun to watch. This movie had everything a thriller crime drama should have. It was nicely made. The direction and the performances by the actors were good. There is thrill and suspense till the end. There were some things that I didn't like about the movie especially the conclusion part. It was little bit underwhelming. Also, movie felt little bit long for this type of story. Other than that it's a good watch. Overall, it is a good crime drama thriller which will keep you bounded till the end.
Jun 28, 2021
10
The newly restored film version is so crisp & sleep. Paramount did a great job & was lucky to watch it on #ARTE. Alfred Hitchcock gets me every time and personally I do prefer #VERTIGO to Citizen Cane, but then again, why even compare. The Cinematography, Acting, Pacing, Screenplay, Lighting, Camera Moves, Score, Sound Mixing & Editing. Everything put together is the Platinum Standard of Filmmaking. Enjoy with some buttery truffles popcorn a dry Martini, stirred not shaken or Champagne and Strawberries. Every time we travel to the Gold Coast & pass by the Scenery I feel like I am in a Hitchcock movie. What a treat. One also learns a lot about psychology and life in general by entering the mind of the Puppet Master...
May 14, 2021
10
One name. Bernard Herrmann. The music adds to the mystique and mystery of this incredible movie to a degree that transcends even the greatest movies of today. A story of a man whose love for a woman turns into an obsession and drives him into a rabbit hole. An incredible story, and something you have to experience.
Mar 22, 2021
8
Great thriller with an original story. Great mix of suspense and drama. Truly a must-see
Feb 26, 2021
10
Acting, music, plot, cinematography.... absolutely everything in this movie is AMAZING. Hitchcock's best.
Nov 23, 2020
10
Another masterpiece by director Alfred Hitchcock. This movie is really a weird and good work. I watched it many times.
Sep 26, 2020
9
A beautiful storytelling with mystery and thriller elements. Tho some parts were left unused, this is a must watch drama of old and essential cinema.
Jul 31, 2020
10
Vertigo is honestly a masterpiece, I loved the story, I loved how Scotty Ferguson (James Stewart) gets obsessed over this woman after the events happen to her and how it changes him throughout this film. Also, I think the cinematography from Robert Burks is honestly beautiful throughout this masterpiece of a movie. Overall, I feel like this movie didn't make me feel bored for a second because it's quite an interestingly good movie from start to finish, it's honestly worth the watch.
Jun 26, 2020
6
rewatching Hitchcock movies in a row, this one does not for me stand up to the best. He mastered the disaster movie (The Birds), the slasher (Psycho-the first slasher movie), the spy movie (North by Northwest), film noir (Shadow of a Doubt), the thriller (Strangers on a Train), the voyeur (Rear Window) but to me this one is boring. lots of cool scenery, postcard backgrounds. I loved Kim Novak as the love starved pretty girl when I was younger but now a hot girl who cannot find love seems implausible. I get tired of Jimmy Stewart, he is always skeptical about something. The opening is amazing, you can see it referenced in The Matrix, how better to be scared of something than see somebody die that way. I also did not like "Dial M for Murder" or "Rope" but the 39 steps was great.
May 20, 2020
10
He combined the zoom and the moving lens to shoot a stairwell lens from top to bottom, which successfully caused the protagonist's dizzy psychological feeling of fear of heights. His method is to lay the stairwell model sideways, the camera is aimed at the stairwell, and slowly push the model at a distance, and the zoom lens starts at the telephoto (telescope head) and slowly pulls it into a wide angle. It must remain the same on the screen.
Apr 27, 2020
10
Avoid watching any trailers for this, to retain maximum impact. The story is best consumed as a suspense/mystery, layered with great photography and a memorable string-heavy orchestral score. When a film retains its influence 60 years after release - you know its going to be good.
Apr 5, 2020
10
I remember watching Vertigo with my mom when I was about 13 and still wet-behind-the-ears in most respects when it came to film. I remember my mom holding this movie in an unusual esteem and personal engagement that she so rarely held anything in. My mom was my mom though, and when she loved something, she really loved it, more than anyone has loved anything else, and this, to her, was one of those movies. I didn't fully get it as a kid. Where movies were supposed to make you feel emboldened and secure in your values, this strange new kind of movie flew in the face of that, and seemed to like making you feel cold, naked, and dumb. It's been years since then, and I've seen this movie quite a few times. It's the perfect, endlessly-rewatchable thriller. Knowing the conclusion to the whole affair actually improves, holding the audience captive in perfect suspense, with each insidious narrative turn tightening the noose around the audience's neck. And when the conclusion does arrive, the first-time unassuming audience is shocked, but not offended. All along there were clues, inaccuracies that could only possibly amount to one conclusion. It's not so much that the audience forgets these clues as much as they choose to forget these clues, preferring one "truth" over another. It's this predicament that our protagonist, Scottie Ferguson, finds himself. However, his actions run perpendicular to the audiences wishes, turning up every stone, prying at every loose end until inevitably he undoes whatever happy ending he wrote for himself. It's his feverish search for "the truth" that makes him such a tragedy, and, to his friend and living-partner Midge, a comparatively well-adjusted, capable woman, such a mystery. He's the kind of paranoid, troubled individual who gets by on the notion that people are never really paying attention to the right things. His "truth" here is the mystery of one Madeleine Elster, a wife of an old friend who he (meaning the friend) believes to be possessed/hypnotized/some odd thing. Less important to Scottie are the specifics, choosing instead to understand a "bigger picture" that chronically eludes him. Hitchcock's direction perfectly compliments the sadness and claustrophobia of the film, which is shot in film's favorite city, San Francisco, which just so happens to be my home city. The film prefers quiet over loud, dimly lit, gothic cathedrals with narrow, dark corridors, paired with voyeuristic figures looking on like a moth attracted to lit. It prefers empty city streets and lifeless, seemingly abandoned docks. It's the city as intimate and naked as it comes. Not so much Norman Rockwell as it is Edward Hopper, the film is photogenic as all-get-out, but unbearably lonely. The lighting enhances the mood, using shadows at the edge of the screen to draw its figures together, obscuring desired women-as-objects under sickly green curtains. Vertigo take its audience's plaintive hopes for some virtue or nugget of personal triumph, and, rather than lazily turn it against them, draws upon our collective sadness for inspiration. In the end, Scottie is an everyman, living only to view goodness and light through some distant lens, and is simply the victim of being too observant, too clever, and too skeptically honest to ever really leave well enough alone. He's an emblem of the eternal shifting mass of the chronic, who remain miserable in their search for fulfillment, yet blinded by its need for closure. When the ideal presents itself, reality follows, ever-mocking, ever-naked in its approach.
Mar 24, 2020
10
بهترین فیلم جنایی تاریخ سینما با داستانی شگفت انگیز و تعلیق فراوان و بازی فوق العاده بازیگران خصوصاً جیمز استوارت و پایانی شگفت انگیز و ارائه بی نقص و جذاب داستان توسط آلفرد هیچکاک که دیدن این فیلم را برای هر مخاطب سینما اجباری می کند
Feb 21, 2020
8
It's compreehensive "Vertigo" being considered by many people as best movie ever made. I don't know until where it's truth, but that's a great one, it is.
Jan 8, 2020
10
The combination of the beautiful backdrop, plot, and performances from James Stewart and Kim Novak all contribute to one of Hitchcock's greatest ever cinematic masterpieces.
Nov 26, 2019
9
An exceptionally well-made film. While it’s not as entertaining on first viewing compared to other Hitchcock films like Rear Window and Psycho, it lends itself to closer inspection and theorizing with its seemingly infinite layers of subtle messages and themes. Great performances from Stewart and Novak guided by the typically pristine direction of Hitchcock and a perfect score and script make this one of the best films ever made. The score I give is more down to personal preference, more a feeling than anything else.
Aug 23, 2019
10
The best, GREATEST thrilling mystery romance movie ever made! With the best movie score ever composed!
Jun 1, 2019
10
Your head is not going to stop even a second. if you are a psychological thrillers lover, I must highly recommend it to.
Apr 17, 2019
6
I fully understand that it was a "shocking suspense" by the time it made it's way to the cinemas, but nowadays - in 2019 - it's not so great. Characters are a bit plain, the plot is slow and only partially interesting, but the worst thing is that zoom... Of course, it was something new back in the day, new and interesting, but now it looks like Hitchcock is treating audience as stupid, like "look at this, it's important". It'd be bearable if it'd be done once or twice, but this movie is full of scenes like this, slowly zooming in and telling you to pay attention. Okay, Mr H., I got that.
Feb 3, 2019
10
Without doubt this was the best movie I've ever seen. Although Hitchcock's each movie is better than the other but I strongly believe that VERTIGO was his masterpiece. There isn't any bad point about this movie I or anyone can say. Its directing,music,etc all were great.
Dec 2, 2018
10
An autentic shocker of suspense from the one and only master. James Stewart in one of his "top of the mountain" roles, as a detective hunted by his worst fears. Also remarks the title sequence by Saul Bass, Kim Novak, and the score by Bernard Hermann. At side of Spirited away and Lawrence of Arabia, one of shall see before you die... Or else!
Aug 30, 2018
10
Hands down one of the all-time greats. Every time I see this film, it offers me something new. Just SO FAR ahead of its time.