A retired San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend's wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her.
"Vertigo" is a thrilling mystery about Scottie, a detective who retires after developing a fear of heights. He's hired to follow a woman, Madeleine, who seems to be possessed by a ghost. Scottie becomes obsessed with her, but tragedy strikes. The story twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. While watching, you'll learn vocabulary related to investigations ("detective," "witness," "evidence"), emotions ("fear," "obsession," "guilt"), and historical San Francisco. You'll also hear phrases like "on the bum" (meaning poor or homeless) and "carrying the torch" (meaning to have unrequited love). The movie explores themes of love, loss, obsession, and deception. You'll see a range of emotions expressed, from romantic love to intense fear and despair. This helps you understand how English is used to convey complex feelings. The dialogue is a mix of formal and informal language, exposing you to different speaking styles. Pay attention to how characters express their emotions, and how the tone changes in different situations. This will broaden your understanding of how language is used in everyday conversations and intense dramatic moments. "Vertigo" is a great choice for English learners because it provides a captivating story with rich vocabulary and varied language use. The clear pronunciation and moderate speaking pace make it relatively easy to follow. The movie's suspenseful plot will keep you engaged, making the learning process more enjoyable. Discussing the movie with other learners can also improve your conversational skills and comprehension. You can talk about the plot, characters, and themes, practicing your English while exploring interesting topics.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Vertigo:
