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Kim Novak's Vertigo

Play trailer Kim Novak's Vertigo 2025 1h 17m Biography Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 16 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
At 92, Kim Novak remains one of Hollywood's most enduring enigmas -- a luminous star who, at the peak of her fame, turned her back on the spotlight to embrace a life of self-expression and authenticity. Once the top box office draw in the world, she rebelled against the studio system and the confines of celebrity, choosing individuality over image, and art over artifice. KIM NOVAK'S VERTIGO is a lyrical and intimate portrait, blending rare archival footage with deeply personal reflections and vivid glimpses into Kim's reclusive life. While Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo remains her most iconic role, the film explores how that performance -- and the duality it captured -- mirrors the ongoing tension between image and identity that shaped Kim's life. As she revisits fragments of her past a deeper story emerges: one of defiance, reinvention, and the quiet power of a woman who walked away from fame to remain true to herself.

Critics Reviews

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Danny Leigh Financial Times 19h
4/5
Built around interviews at Novak’s home on the wild Oregon coast, the flow of the movie has the loosey-goosey feel of actual conversation. What emerges most clearly is endurance. Go to Full Review David Jenkins Little White Lies 1d
3/5
It’s a slick package, but lacks for a true sense of purpose. Go to Full Review Ian Freer Time Out Mar 26
4/5
The timelines fuzzy and other personal details are scant, but what shines through is the obvious affection between interviewer and subject. It’s a rapport that engenders an engrossing, conversational tribute to a mostly unsung great. Go to Full Review Victoria Luxford Clash Magazine 1d
8/10
While not comprehensive, Kim Novak’s Vertigo feels like the kind of personal journey that few films offer. Go to Full Review Sarah Manvel Movies We Texted About Nov 4
Director Alexandre O. Philippe has allowed someone whose image was never in her own control to present herself exactly as she wants. And that’s important and valuable indeed. Go to Full Review James Mottram Radio Times Oct 29
3/5
Philippe is adept at selecting archive footage and with editor David Lawrence slides some lovely clips of Novak into proceedings, confirming what a talent she was. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Alexandre O. Philippe

Director

Kim Novak

Actor

Alexandre O. Philippe

Screenwriter

Terri Piñon

Producer

Alexandre O. Philippe

Producer

Sue Cameron

Executive Producer
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Kim Novak's Vertigo

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Movie Info

Synopsis At 92, Kim Novak remains one of Hollywood's most enduring enigmas -- a luminous star who, at the peak of her fame, turned her back on the spotlight to embrace a life of self-expression and authenticity. Once the top box office draw in the world, she rebelled against the studio system and the confines of celebrity, choosing individuality over image, and art over artifice. KIM NOVAK'S VERTIGO is a lyrical and intimate portrait, blending rare archival footage with deeply personal reflections and vivid glimpses into Kim's reclusive life. While Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo remains her most iconic role, the film explores how that performance -- and the duality it captured -- mirrors the ongoing tension between image and identity that shaped Kim's life. As she revisits fragments of her past a deeper story emerges: one of defiance, reinvention, and the quiet power of a woman who walked away from fame to remain true to herself.
Director
Alexandre O. Philippe
Producer
Terri Piñon, Alexandre O. Philippe
Screenwriter
Alexandre O. Philippe
Genre
Biography, Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 17m