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Why I Love Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”

By Mario Muscar

I love movies–the escape, the beauty, and the magic they provide and exude. I like going to the theater and seeing them on the big screen or watching them at home cuddled up on the couch. The Academy Awards (which just happened this past Sunday) is like the Super Bowl for me. I like rooting for my favorites and seeing what happens.

I have my favorite directors and moviemakers. Tarantino, Anderson, Kubrick. These people have made films that inspire and entertain me. I love the films of Italian ¬¬neorealistic/surrealistic director Federico Fellini so much that my son’s middle name is Federico. And another director that is in my list of the greatest filmmakers ever is Alfred Hitchcock. While many people go with “The Birds” or “Psycho” as Hitchcock’s best movie, I believe that his masterpiece is the 1958 classic, “Vertigo.” And it is certainly my favorite.

From the opening title sequence with the dizzying swirls that suck us into the vortex of the film to the unexpected ending, “Vertigo” hits me in all the right spots. Jimmy Stewart’s character, ex-police detective Scottie Ferguson, goes on a journey of infatuation, obsession and deviant psychological behavior that asks us the question “What is real and where does truth lie?”

The movie is also visually stunning. San Francisco provides the backdrop and many classic San Francisco locations are used to flesh out the plot. Kim Novak, in dual roles as Madeleine/Judy, goes through a striking transformation in this film, and the costuming is a big part of that. And the use of color is something that one could teach an entire film course on.

One thing that always sticks with me in “Vertigo” is a sequence where Scottie is following Madeleine in his car. There is shot after shot of him just driving. Hitchcock is often thought of for his big, high energy moments. The shower scene in “Psycho.” The attack of the birds in “The Birds”. But this scene in “Vertigo” with Scottie following Madeleine is striking. How Hitchcock frames the sequence and the serenity of the camera positions truly highlight the obsession of Scottie as he follows her everywhere she goes. And Bernard Herrmann’s score adds to the moment and the entire film.

SEE IT ON THE BIG SCREEN

Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre and Wheeling Film Society are giving us the opportunity to see a free screening of “Vertigo” this Friday, March 9 at 7:30pm. I think everyone should do themselves a favor and go see this amazing movie on the big screen at Towngate with some popcorn and a beverage.

*The dinner prior to the film is sold out.  But, you can still come and enjoy the film. No reservations are necessary. Seating is first come, first served. Admission to the film is free.

 

Towngate Production of “The Cripple of Inishmaan” Assembles a Great Cast

On March 16, the curtain opens on Towngate Theatre’s production of the dark, comic play, “The Cripple of Inishmaan.”

The play is written by Martin McDonagh, writer/director of “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” which received 43 major nominations for the 2018 awards season, winning 20 awards including two Oscars and four Golden Globes.

Set in 1934, “The Cripple of Inishmaan” concerns a tiny community of Inishmaan residing at the Aran Islands, off the western coast of Ireland. The inhabitants are excited about the prospect of a Hollywood film crew arriving to film a documentary on the lives of people living on the island.

Billy Claven, who is regularly referred to as Cripple Billy, sees it as an opportunity to escape the boredom, poverty and gossip of Inishmaan. To everyone’s surprise, despite being a social outcast and an orphan, Billy lands a chance to play a role in the documentary film…or as some believe.

A Dark Comedy with a Twist

“This is a really humorous and engaging play,” Oglebay Institute director of performing arts Tim Thompson said. “And while it is a darkly comedic play, there is a twist in the show that takes it from a comedy to a more thought-provoking story.”

Towngate Theatre technical director P.D. Gregg directs the show and has always loved McDonagh’s work. “His work is really fascinating. It is definitely a different take on storytelling.”

Gregg said the show tells us an interesting story concerning gossip and truth. “The play is about how we tell stories to each other,” he said. “Throughout the show, the audience gets different stories from different characters. Each story has its own consequences. The audience is left deciding on where the truth lies…and does the truth truly matter?”

Towngate Production Brings Together Veteran Local Actors

The Towngate production of “The Cripple of Inishmaan” has a great cast full of both Towngate veterans and younger community actors.

“One of my intentions when we selected this play was to get the best actors,” Tim said. “And we did just that. We have an amazing cast. The cast has some of the best veteran actors in the Ohio Valley.”

Cast members include Dee Gregg, Arlene Merryman, John Reilly, Marion Stoltz, Vince Marshall, Micah Labishak Underwood, Brendan Sheehan, Eric Dutton and Zachary Michael.

Get Tickets

Towngate Theater presents “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh March 16-18 & 23-24. Curtain is at 8pm. A 3pm matinee takes place Sunday, March 18.

Admission is $12.50/$11 OI members. Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700.

Join Us for Pub Nights After the Show

The Friends of Towngate present two “Pub Nights” in conjunction with Towngate’s production of “The Cripple of Inishmaan.”

Events take place in The Gallery at Towngate immediately following the March 16 and March 23 performances, from approximately 10pm to midnight. Enjoy Irish food provided by Ye Olde Alpha and beer provided by Carenbauer Distributing and Wheeling Brewing Company. Listen to live Celtic music, too! Gallowglass and The Troubadour with Karissa Martin perform on March 16. Matt Smith and The Troubadour perform March 23.

Proceeds support Towngate Theatre. Admission is $25 per person and does NOT include show ticket. Purchase online, call 304-242-7700 or contact a member of the Friends of Towngate.