Renee Zellweger as Kim Novak in Vertigo

Behind the scene of Vanity Fair's photo shoot for their March 2008 issue's tribute to Alfred Hitchcok films. Ms. Zellweger channels Kim Novak's Madeleine/ Judy in the tower scene of Vertigo (1958).

At the shoot, Zellweger "was watching the scene over and over while getting her hair and makeup done, and when she came on set she started breathing really hard, almost hyperventilating. [...] She just absolutely exploded on the set and truly became that character like I've never seen before. We were in awe." (Windolf)

Final photo used in the magazine can be viewed here: http://libraridan.files.wordpress.com...

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[unclealand]

You might need to have your eyes checked if you're equating Renee Z's looks with gorgeous Kim Novak. Kim's empty mystique was what made her great in this movie, not her "portrayal." Renee's a better actress, but it wasn't acting that Kim brought to this role. Bad choice for Renee here.

[carloyeshua27]

You are of course entitled to your own opinio, but I still remain that Renee did a fabulous job for the Vertigo photo shoot acting-wise. And nobody's equating Renee's looks with that of Kim Novak's. Kim was gorgeous, no questions asked. Renee's looks, though one might say are atypical, don't fall in the "not pretty" category for me.

[unclealand]

Renee Zellweger as Kim Novak? Uh uh! Renee's fun but she ain't pretty. Whatever else Kim Novak was, or was not, she was pretty.

[carloyeshua27]

It isn't about being pretty. If you had read the information about the video, she portrayed the character of Kim Novak in Vertigo and considering that this was just a photo shoot, she did a very great job. Besides, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and I find Renee pretty.

[MichaelB2d2]

Oh for the love of god, if they ever remake this movie i sure hope they don't cast Nicholas Cage!

He would butcher Vertigo!

[taraniso]

Novak brought something ethereal to the role. I'm not certain what Renee's doing here, sort of a glamour-meets-horrified expression photo shoot. Hitchcock would never have cast her, she's too plain. She might be good as Scotty's ex-girlfriend, however.

[ashley strate]

gross

[jkolenchak]

What we need is a spooky nun to push her off the tower.

[dessay1]

now CHARLIZE THERON as KIM!

[dessay1]

RENEE as SHIRLEY MaCLAINE as KIM!

[mvies77]

She was given the assignment and paid tribute to Hitchcock and Novak by watching the scene over and over and by acting the scene to her utmost to duplicate Novak.

[righteousgroove]

No matter who was cast as in the photo shoot, people would complain and make comparisons to the original. Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion. But what's this about Renee not being pretty? She looks gorgeous here, and definitely comparable to Kim Novak! Cool idea to pay tribute to Hitchcock in this way, although gotta admit it's always a little unsettling when actors nowadays try and "recreate" old movie scenes, etc. Case in point: Usher doing the Singing in the Rain dance scene...

[plusbabs]

Vertigo is the greatest movie ever made, don't make me sick by suggesting a remake.

[Victor Talking Machine]

is there going to be a remake of VERTIGO with renee as madelyn/charlotta/judy?

[ednuk]

kim had a peach of a life. I was always curious if she had no kids my choice. vertigo is a mystifying and amazing movie. masterpiece as usual for hitch. i never saw the love interest with jimmy stewart and kim, i think someone else should have played his part

[owsh123]

Sorry unclealand, but Kim Novak WAS acting in Vertigo - and she gave the performance of a lifetime. Somewhat overlooked when it was released, but as time has passed, film critics and historians have generally concluded that it was a very nuanced, intelligent, and thoughtful portrayal of a complex character. Actually, a great performance. As far as Renee goes, her desire to pay tribute to Kim's outstanding work is extremely commendable.