To be or not to be

I watched the old classic Vertigo last night. Some say this psychological thriller produced in 1958 is Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece because of the special effects of the movie. Let’s explore that concept.

Set in the almost dream-like haze of the empty San Francisco streets, Vertigo portrays obsession and lost romance through surrealism, a true hallmark of the master’s movies. In this story, Scotty (Jimmy Stewart) pursues Madeline (Kim Novak) as she slips in and out of her dead great grandmother’s persona. So even back then, there was a touch of paranormal in the books Alfred Hitchcock wrote

This movie is most definitely the type one may watch again and again and still miss things. Some of the props that are essential to the storyline are flowers, a painting and necklace. Although the  plot of the movie is a brilliantly planned murder, it’s all about obsession.

Scotty is obsessed with Madeline, who is seemingly obsessed with a dead woman,  and follows  her around the streets of San Francisco. Midge (Barbara Bel Gettes), an ex-girlfriend, in love with Scotty and obsessed with getting him back, follows him around as he pursues Madeline.

Alfred Hitchcock used a 3-D effect twice in this film. First in the opening scene to illustrate Scotty’s fear of heights when on a rooftop during a police chase. By using a special zoom  feature on the camera lens, perspective distortion  is achieved through trick photography.

This movie does not have a happily ever after ending, but one that is quite chilling and will leave one a bit unsettled. What are your thoughts on this? As we all know, sadly, real life does not always have a fairy tale ending. Is this essential to you when reading a book or do you prefer reading a book where the  hero and heroine, for whatever reasons, do not ride off into the sunset?