As a director, Alfred Hitchcock is lauded as one of the most well-regarded filmmakers of the modern era. Arguably, Hitchcock’s production of Vertigo in 1958 remains one his greatest works; one which renowned film critic Roger Ebert claims is “one of the two or three best films Hitchcock ever made” (Ebert 1996). In the same review, Ebert delved into Hitchcock’s famed, if not infamous relationship with his lead female actresses, claiming that Vertigo was not just a simple story about a man overcoming his own weaknesses and fear. Rather, “It is about how Hitchcock used, feared, and tried to control women” (Ebert 1996). Through the theme of doubling as displayed by the female characters of Madeleine and Judy in the film Vertigo, Alfred Hitchcock demonstrates the dichotomy of women as influential agents of empowerment and conversely as purveyors of betrayal. By extension, this portrayal of female characters reveals Hitchcock’s personal views and commentary about women as deceitful and cunning by nature, as proven through analysis of key scenes and interactions of …show more content…
Indeed, due to the humiliation and fear of those events, Scottie’s is still attempting to recapture his manliness, which he had lost due to his inability to get back to his police duties. However, Scottie ends up accepting Gavin’s request (Hitchcock, Vertigo). This is due to wanting to get over his guilt, and also regaining his masculinity through typically “strong”, “useful” and “macho” activities such as police work. Scottie feels smothered with his close friend Midge’s “feminine” concern for his health, and her insistence for him to take it easy and not to overexert herself. As a result, he feels the need to prove himself and search for his manhood, not only to himself, but more importantly, to others that he is capable and truly a