Film Blog
A Masterpiece of Obsession and Illusion: Analyzing Vertigo
A Spiraling Story
At its core, Vertigo is a film about obsession, identity, and the lengths people will go to for love—or at least their idea of it. Stewart plays Scottie, a retired detective who’s afraid of heights. He’s hired to follow a woman named Madeleine, played by Kim Novak, and as you might guess, things go downhill fast.
But what makes Vertigo so gripping isn’t the plot itself—it’s how it’s told. Hitchcock uses spirals as a recurring motif, from the opening credits to the dizzying camera shots. It’s like the film is constantly pulling you deeper into Scottie’s warped perspective, whether you want to go there or not.
The Wanderers of Vertigo
The word wander plays a key role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, especially in a conversation between Scottie and Madeline outside his house. Madeline says, “Only one is a wanderer. Two together are always going somewhere.” This line carries a deeper meaning about their emotional states, showing how both of them are, in a sense, lost.
Madeline reflects on being lost, trapped in a life and role that aren’t truly hers. Her wandering is internal, as she struggles with her false identity. Scottie, too, becomes lost in his obsession with her, his journey becoming psychological as he distorts reality in pursuit of her.
Madeline's remark, “Only one is a wanderer,” highlights their disconnection. Even when they’re physically close, they’re emotionally distant, heading in different directions. Madeline is stuck in her role, and Scottie’s obsession takes him down a destructive path, making them both wanderers in their own right.
By the end of Vertigo, the idea of wandering deepens. They’re not just lost in their personal journeys—they’re trapped in cycles of obsession and illusion. The wandering represents how their emotional distance keeps them from truly connecting. Despite their shared space, they remain eternally adrift, unable to break free from their inner turmoil.
In this sense, wander becomes a symbol of their disconnection. Even when together, they are both lost—one in illusion, the other in obsession.
The Complex Charm of Antiheros
Why do They Work?
Antiheros work because of their moral ambiguity and deeply flawed nature. Unlike traditional heroes, they operate in the gray areas of right and wrong, making them far more complex.
Relatable Imperfection
Perfect heroes are not relatable. A heroes unwavering moral compass can feel unattainable in a world where flaws and mistakes are inevitable. Antiheroes, however, are different. Think of Breaking Bads' Walter White. A once-average high-school teacher turned criminal mastermind. Sure, Walter's decisions are questionable, but his motivations -- family, survival -- are deeply human.
Challenging Morality
Antiheroes force the audience to confront tough, controversial questions. Take Travis Bickle, for example (Taxi Driver [also from the image above]). His view on America's social landscape is heavily influenced by his traditional ideologies. While those ideologies are not inherently bad - I'm sure some people may even relate to them - in the end it distorts his reality, causing some pretty drastic decisions.
3 Movies That Stick Long After the Screen Fades to Black.
3. The Others
Some films leave an impression that doesn't fade, drawing you back with complexity, emotional weight, or unexpected twists. Here are 3 unforgettable movies that stick long after the screen fades to black.
Set in a desolate mansion, The Others tells the story of a mother protecting her children from mysterious forces. The film builds tension through atmosphere and subtle scares, culminating in a twist that redefines the entire story.
2. The Prestige
A story of rivalry turned sour. The Prestige explores the lengths at which two magicians will go to outdo each other. The film's writing allows for new depths every rewatch, and its exploration of ambition and obsession resonates well beyond the final twist.
1. Shutter Island
A modern-classic of the genre, Shutter Island, follows a U.S. Marshal investigating a disappearance at a remote asylum. As reality unravels, the film's themes of memory, guilt, and identity keep you questioning every scene.
