01. The Vertigo Shot from Vertigo (1958)
As one of the most expressive and inventive directors of the 20th century, this list could probably have consisted of 10
Alfred Hitchcock entries alone. The majority of his films contain at least one imaginative and often experimental shot that leaves audiences awestruck, but his work in
Vertigo has to be some of the most visually stunning. Whether its the introductory shots of Madeleine (
Kim Novak) that perfectly capture Scotties (
Jimmy Stewart) immediate obsession, to the insanely tense shot of Scottie dangling from a rooftop, Vertigo is a film that generates some exceptional imagery. However, the most imaginative shot of the film nay cinema itself probably! has to be Hitchcocks vertigo demonstrating shot as Scottie climbs the stairs of the bell tower. Achieved by simultaneously tracking back and zooming in, never has a shot so precisely mimicked an inflictionand never is one likely to do again in the future! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je0NhvAQ6fM
OTHER SHOTS OF NOTE:The Floating Corpse Shot in SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
The Mrs. Robinson Leg Shot in THE GRADUATE (1967)
The Trevi Fountain Shot in LA DOLCE VITA (1960)
Bullet Time in THE MATRIX (1998)
The Crop Duster Shot in NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
The Eye/Plughole Shot in PSYCHO (1960)
The Subway Dress Shot in THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH (1957)
Have any suggestions of your own? Wed love to hear, so leave a comment below!