3. Vertigo Isn't A Fear Of Heights
Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo was named the Greatest Film Of All Time by the coveted BFI poll that had been held by the plot hole-less Citizen Kane since 1961. Whether you think this is deserved or not (
I certainly dont), theres no denying one major influence the film has had in the most unexpected of places. If you were to ask anyone to give the name for a fear of heights, they'll instinctively say Vertigo. And its clear to see why. I mean, theres a whole film with the titular character afflicted by a fear of heights with it in the title right there. The problem here is that what Scottie suffers from is a very specific type of vertigo, the key trait of which is often skimmed over. You see, vertigo isnt actually a fear of heights (thats acrophobia). Its essentially the sensation of a spinning room and can have numerous triggers, just one of which is heights (known as height vertigo). This is what Scottie has, caused by his traumatic accident in the opening, and is why he only ever suffers it when up high. The iconic stair shot isn't a manifestation of Scotties fear; its a direct representation of his disorientation.