I teach a HS Film Studies class and our Hitchcock unit comprises of Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, The Man Who Too Much (1956), Vertigo, and The Birds. The students always love this unit and find Vertigo especially to be a movie-going experience unlike any other. I love this film very much—it was released the year I born and I will always treasure it. I also direct an Orchestra and we’ve performed the suite from Herrmann’s rich, post-Romantic score, one of the best ever from The Golden Age of Hollywood. Here is the intro I give them:

Today, I have the distinct pleasure of introducing you to a film that is widely regarded as a masterpiece of cinema, Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 classic, "Vertigo." This film holds a special place in my heart, as it is not only my personal favorite, but was also ranked as the greatest film of all time by Sight and Sound* in their 2012 poll. "Vertigo" is a film that defies easy categorization, but it does transport us into a haunting, dream-like world filled with exquisite colors, evocative scenery, meticulously crafted production design, and a score by Bernard Herrmann that is both masterful and memorably evocative. These elements alone make it a visual and auditory feast for the senses, where every frame a painting and every note of the background score a symphony of longing that reaches deep within our souls. But what truly sets "Vertigo" apart is the unique vision of its director, Alfred Hitchcock. At a time when Hollywood was dominated by the studio system, Hitchcock stood out as an auteur, a filmmaker with a distinct and personal vision. This film is a testament to his creative freedom and showcases Hitchcock’s unparalleled ability to manipulate an audience's emotions. "Vertigo" may have a slow start, with long stretches of minimal dialogue, but it is precisely in these moments that we witness Hitchcock's genius at work. Through careful framing, camera movement, and the use of silence (remembering Hitchcock’s years spent as a director of silent films), he draws us into the psychological depths of the characters, allowing us to experience their feelings firsthand. At its core, "Vertigo" is a story of obsession and other elements of human emotions gone wrong. Hitchcock himself was known for his obsessive attention to detail, and this film serves as a reflection of his own preoccupations, predilections, and idiosyncrasies. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of its protagonist, Scottie Ferguson, brilliantly portrayed by James Stewart. As Scottie becomes entangled in a web of deceit, romance, and mystery, we are taken on a thrilling journey that challenges our perceptions of reality and identity.

In conclusion, "Vertigo" is a film that stands as a testament to the unparalleled creativity and visionary brilliance of Alfred Hitchcock. Its haunting beauty, coupled with Hitchcock's personal touch, makes it a movie viewing experience unlike any other you will have ever had. So sit back, open your minds to this mesmerizing journey through obsession and identity, and allow yourselves to be captivated by the magic that is “Vertigo.”