Vertigo (1958)

Hitchcock became known as master of suspense and his 1958 film; Vertigo gives a clear reason why. The structure of the film, having many false endings and a repetitive nature, right down to the costume and settings may be off putting to a modern audience and it seems to circle around itself, the patterns becoming tighter each time, reluctant to grow give some release. However, I see this as a very deliberate choice by Hitchcock to bring the audience into Scottie's (James Stewart) spiralling obsession and moral downfall. When watched it for the first time, I was upset initially by the narrative shift as I had become attached to the more traditional narrative it offered but once it ended I began to see the strategy in using these classic tropes in the first half; the damsel in distress, the long pining love interest and the morally upright man, played by the endlessly loveable and trust worthy Jimmy Stewart. These familiar aspects brought us into a sense of comfort, despite the suspense, as did the colours which were incredible vibrant and the familiar, feel of San Fran Sisco. This is all subverted later in the film, when the truth is revealed about the plot and the simplistic, Hollywood narrative its self. there is a very dark side to these kinds of schemes that are so often thrown around by the film industry, one of obsession, madness and frustration and I think that the suspense built into the film is only an extension of that point. I think this film is a masterclass in suspense and bringing the audience into the world with the characters. It certainly isn't for everyone but I think if you are willing to join Hitchcock on this journey or are just interested in narrative structure this is definitely a must-watch.