From Mr. Thompson:

If you're reading this, then you've chosen to replace one of our case study films from our Mise-en-Scène unit with this. You could certainly do worse than 'Vertigo.'

'Vertigo' isn't like other Hitchcock films, and to study the mise-en-scène thoroughly requires that you uncover enough of the plot that you end up wading into some spoilers. Trust me, there are still plenty of surprises even knowing that much. This is a tricky film to pin down. Is it a romance? Is it a thriller? What is it? All anyone can agree on is that it's a masterpiece and is considered by many to have the best mise-en-scène ever. From its use of sets and setting, to costumes and color, every inch of this film is meticulously detailed to emphasize the overall themes of guilt and obsession.

If you go into this film for the story, you might be disappointed. To be honest, it's a bit of a mess, full of lucky coincidences and convenient leaps in logic. As a thriller, it's not scary so much as it's disturbing, and the ending is definitely haunting. Therefore, think of it more like a Shakespearean tragedy. You basically already know what's going to happen, so you watch it for everything else: the performances, the screen craft, the music, and to see how it gets to the tragic conclusion you know is coming.

Enjoy Alfred Hitchcock's mesmerizing 1958 classic, 'Vertigo.'