Question 1

What famous camera technique was invented for Vertigo to convey the feeling of dizziness?

Accepted Answer

Uncredited second unit cameraman Irmin Roberts invented the 'zoom out and track in' shot (called contra-zoom or trombone shot) to convey vertigo. The stairwell view cost $19,000 for just seconds of screentime.

Question 2

Why was Vertigo unavailable for three decades after its release?

Accepted Answer

Alfred Hitchcock bought back its rights along with four other films, leaving them as part of his legacy. These 'Five Lost Hitchcocks' were unavailable for about 30 years until re-released around 1984.

Question 3

What San Francisco hotel was used as the Empire Hotel where James Stewart finds Kim Novak's character?

Accepted Answer

The Hotel Vertigo (formerly the York) at 940 Sutter Street was used. Judy's Room 501 retained many aspects from the film. The hotel closed and reopened as Hotel Julian by 2025.

Question 4

How did Alfred Hitchcock famously describe the film's central obsession to François Truffaut?

Accepted Answer

Hitchcock told Truffaut: 'To put it plainly, the man wants to go to bed with a woman who is dead.'

Question 5

Which major film festivals have featured Vertigo in their programs according to the database?

Accepted Answer

Vertigo has been featured at Cannes Film Festival (2013, 2018), New York Film Festival (1996), San Sebastián International Film Festival (1958), Berlin International Film Festival (1984, 1997), Locarno International Film Festival (1984), and International Film Festival Rotterdam (2015).

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Vertigo

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