James Stewart | The Movie My Life

Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo is a wonderfully well-made mystery/thriller/romance film. It’s perhaps the best Hitchcock movie I’ve seen so far, as part of my goal to watch as many of his best-rated films as possible before 2024 ends.

Having now seen three, Vertigo is the one about which I have nothing remotely negative to say. No dated special effects that end up detracting from my enjoyment. No lines of dialogue that annoy me. And, to my surprise, zero pacing issues to speak of.

Vertigo (1958), Kim Novak, James Stewart, Paramount Pictures

Each shot of Vertigo is so visually rich with plenty to absorb that, combined with the engaging story, acting and dialogue, at no point did I want things to progress at a quicker pace. Instead, I gladly took in all this clever movie had to offer. A story about a detective who’s retired due to acrophobia (an intense fear of heights), until an older friend offers him a new investigative position.

I truly enjoyed everything about Vertigo, including the ‘tour’ of 1950s San Francisco, the complex story, the music and the cinematography. I also loved the costume and set design – all the things that Hitchcock is known to execute beautifully.

With all the above said, the next time you need something different from what modern movies offer or when you crave the charm of a different time, I implore you to give yourself the gift of Vertigo.

Happy Film Loving,

Inspired by the trailer for the new Alfred Hitchcock documentary, My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock (2022), I’ve decided to watch as many of Hitchcock’s best-rated films as possible.

Having only seen two/three, years earlier, I decided to start with Rear Window, the one I remember most fondly.

Starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey and Thelma Ritter; Stewart plays a bored photographer with a broken leg; one who passes his time by watching his neighbours through his back window.

What I remembered immediately about Rear Window before watching it this second time was Stewart’s character’s broken leg and poor Miss Lonely Hearts.

Rear Window (1954), James Stewart, Paramount Pictures

Like much of Hitchcock’s best work, Rear Window is a film with all the elements that make a movie watchable. The dialogue and story are engaging. The characters are charismatic. The lighting, sound, and set design are notable. Still, even with all this, I did find myself reaching for my phone during moments that could have commanded my attention more.

The things that stand out most post-second viewing include how breathtaking Grace Kelly was; followed by the masterful suspense, thanks to the sound/set design, lighting, etc. Especially in the final confrontation scene

Rear Window (1954), James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Paramount Pictures

Where complaints about Rear Window go, I have two relatively small issues. The first is the fact that I had to reach for my phone at all. The second is the moment or two when Stewart’s character couldn’t hear that he sounded crazy and unreasonable, which, subsequently, made me annoyed with him and the dialogue. In my mind, at that moment, he should have heard that he sounded ridiculous and needed more evidence. Then I remember that in moments of high stress, few people see clearly – and often, critical thinking flies right out the window. As such, I may have forgiven him. Possibly. In which case, I only have one complaint?

If you too are inspired to have your Hitchcock Era, even considering my small-ish complaints, I suspect you won’t regret including Rear Window on your watch list. I say, go forth and enjoy the work of the one who helped inspire your current favourite directors.

Happy Film Loving,

No Spoilers Movie Reviews, Commentary & Interesting New Movie Trailers