Kim Novak, a 92-year-old actress, made a striking appearance at the Venice Film Festival where she received the prestigious Golden Lion award for her lifetime achievements. The recognition was bestowed upon her for her documentary titled “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” in which she delves into her challenging upbringing, her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, and her subsequent retreat from the limelight to live a secluded life in Oregon.
In 2014, Kim faced harsh criticism for her altered appearance at the Oscars, prompting a wave of negative comments about the noticeable changes in her face. She later acknowledged undergoing fat injections for a more youthful look, stating that she preferred this approach over more invasive procedures like facelifts.
The documentary sheds light on the life of a young woman raised during the Great Depression in Chicago, tracing her journey through a decade of Hollywood fame before her voluntary withdrawal from the film industry. Kim expressed her desire to confront and share the memories hidden in her past, leading to the creation of the documentary.
During the film, Kim bravely recounts the challenges she faced in her upbringing, revealing a traumatic incident where her mother attempted to terminate her pregnancy unsuccessfully, followed by a chilling attempt to suffocate her as a child. She also disclosed her father’s lack of support for her acting career and his failure to acknowledge her achievements, which fueled her drive for success in the industry.
The documentary director, Alexandre Phillippe, described the emotional impact of hearing Kim’s personal revelations, emphasizing the privilege of sharing her powerful stories with the audience. Kim’s narrative is a poignant reflection on resilience, survival, and the complexities of fame and family dynamics.
