In the forties and fifties , James Stewart, also known as Jimmy, was the epitome of “the salt of the earth,” a figure of decency and goodness in American culture. His film roles centred around standing up for the little guy, whether It’s A Wonderful Life, Harvey or Mr Smith Goes to Washington.He embodied the unassuming everyman, championing those who had been oppressed or let down by bureaucracy.
Enter Alfred Hitchcock. deemed “the master of suspense,” in 1958. Already a doyen of cinema for years, he transformed the bankable star Stewart into a narcissistic asshole. The character of John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson, a retired policeman, is absolutely horrible, despite seeming so nice at first. Vertigo is the film. When Scottie is asked to trail a suspicious wife of a friend, Madeleine (Kim Novak) he falls for her, and grows deeply obsessed.
A few years after her death in equally iffy circumstances, he meets another woman, Judy (also portrayed by Novak) who resembles Madeleine, but is brunette rather than fair haired. Scottie, now smitten, tries to transform her into the total image of Madeleine, right down to blonde hair and outfits.
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It’s coercive control, with a bit of necrophilia thrown in. Stewart’s character is creepy as hell, completely domineering, steely – eyed and unwilling to back down. He doesn’t want Judy for Judy, he models her based on the ghost of his past love. These women have no autonomy, and Stewart embodies toxic behaviour.
It bombed at the box office, but is now regarded as a classic in many cinematic best of lists. I’m not sure classic is quite the word, but it’s very good, despite some plot holes, and serious overacting at times from Stewart. It’s still interesting to see the ultimate nice guy turned into a hateful human, even more fascinating now we know Hitch was less than likeable himself in real life. A bit of psychological projection, maybe? We know he preferred blondes, and was certainly no gentleman.
Hit The North 
Love it! Nice take!
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