Opened: May 9, 1958

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes & Tom Helmore

A slow burning thriller, Vertigo is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpieces and provides enough twists that will have your mouth hanging open in surprise by the end.

Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart) retires from being a San Francisco detective when his vertigo results in the death of a police officer. His friend Gavin (Tom Helmore) brings him out of retirement to follow and investigate his wife Madeleine (Kim Novak).

Stewart is just as enduring of a lead as ever. He brings humanity to his confused and demanding character, who ends up being someone you root against.

Much of the film focuses on the power men have over women and how their mental abuse can be worse than physical abuse. Neither of the male characters are good and you’ll sympathize with the women caught in their schemes.

Final say: Brilliantly horrible. ★★★★☆