Vertigo

Vertigo

Year: 1958

Runtime: 2 h 8 m

Language: Korean

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

MysteryRomanceThriller

A former police detective with a fear of heights is drawn into a complex case involving a mysterious woman who seems to be staging her own death. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with her, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets, manipulation, and a dangerous plot that challenges his perception of reality and pushes him to the edge of madness. The investigation leads to a shocking climax that explores themes of obsession, identity, and the power of illusion.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Vertigo (1958)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Vertigo (1958). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The events of the film unfold in the 1950s, a time marked by post-war recovery and a burgeoning interest in psychological thrillers. This era also saw the rise of film noir, which heavily influences the film's style and storytelling. The societal norms and expectations of the time deeply affect character behaviors and relationships within the narrative.

Location

San Francisco, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Mission San Juan Bautista

San Francisco is a vibrant coastal city known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and hilly landscape. It serves as the backdrop for Scottie's pursuit and obsession, drawing attention to its haunting beauty. The Big Basin Redwoods State Park features ancient redwoods, offering a sense of timelessness, while the Mission San Juan Bautista stands as a historical site, embodying rich pasts and secrets.

🌆 City 🌲 Nature ⛪ Historical Site

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Main Characters – Vertigo (1958)

Meet the key characters of Vertigo (1958), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John 'Scottie' Ferguson (James Stewart)

Scottie is a former detective haunted by his acrophobia and the tragic death of Madeleine. His character embodies vulnerability and obsession, struggling to overcome his fears while grappling with guilt and loss. His deep emotional turmoil drives the narrative, making him a tragic hero entangled in a web of deception and heartbreak.

👮‍♂️ Detective ❤️ Obsession 😔 Guilt

Madeleine Elster (Kim Novak)

Madeleine is an enigmatic and alluring woman, whose mysterious past and ethereal presence captivate Scottie. She represents the idealized woman in Scottie's mind, yet she is also a pawn in a tragic game of manipulation. Her duality highlights themes of identity and obsession, making her both a victim and a key player in Scottie's emotional journey.

🧚‍♀️ Enigma 💔 Tragedy 📸 Idealization

Midge Wood (Barbara Bel Geddes)

Midge is Scottie's former fiancée and a struggling painter. She embodies unrequited love, as she pines for Scottie even as he becomes infatuated with Madeleine. Midge’s character illustrates the pain of longing and the complexities of friendship intertwined with love, showcasing a stark contrast to Scottie's obsession with the unattainable.

🎨 Artist 💔 Unrequited Love 😢 Heartbreak

Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore)

Gavin is the mysterious husband of Madeleine who enlists Scottie's help to follow her. His character is manipulative, serving as the orchestrator of the tragic events that unfold. Gavin embodies themes of deceit and control, effectively positioning himself as the antagonist in Scottie's pursuit of truth and love.

🕵️‍♂️ Manipulator 🗝️ Antagonist 🌌 Mystery

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Major Themes – Vertigo (1958)

Explore the central themes of Vertigo (1958), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Obsession

The theme of obsession is central to the film, particularly through Scottie's unrelenting fixation on Madeleine. His feelings drive the plot and push the boundaries of reality and sanity, illustrating how love can become an all-consuming force. This obsession ultimately leads to tragedy, showcasing the fine line between desire and danger.

⚖️ Identity

Identity is explored through the duality of Madeleine and Judy, as Scottie struggles to reconcile these two women. The film delves into themes of deception and self-reinvention, raising questions about authentic selves versus constructed personas. As Scottie attempts to reshape Judy into Madeleine, it highlights the complexities of love, identity, and loss.

🌀 Fear

Fear plays a pivotal role, particularly Scottie's acrophobia, which symbolizes deeper emotional traumas. His fear not only paralyzes him physically but also affects his relationships and choices. The film masterfully intertwines psychological fear with the suspense of the narrative, serving as a metaphor for the characters' internal struggles.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Unlock the Full Story of Vertigo

Don't stop at just watching — explore Vertigo in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Vertigo is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Vertigo Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Vertigo, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Vertigo Summary

Vertigo Timeline

Track the full timeline of Vertigo with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Vertigo Timeline

More About Vertigo

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Vertigo: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Vertigo

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