**Vertigo Star Kim Novak’s Remarkable Life Story**
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Kim Novak, the iconic star of “Vertigo”, recently opened up about a traumatic incident from her past that shaped her existence. In a documentary entitled “Kim Novak’s Vertigo”, which is currently being showcased at the Venice Film Festival, the 92-year-old screen legend shared a harrowing revelation about her birth.
Born in Chicago in 1933 during the Great Depression, Novak disclosed in the documentary that her mother had attempted to terminate her pregnancy using knitting needles. In a chilling account, Novak revealed that her mother’s attempts did not end there; she also tried to suffocate the unborn child with a pillow. Despite these horrifying experiences, Novak miraculously survived. She reflected, “I do remember fighting to breathe, to stay alive, and I won. I stayed alive. I made it through.”
Novak’s career soared in the late 1950s, with starring roles in classic films like “Picnic” and “Vertigo”. Despite her illustrious Hollywood career, Novak never received an Oscar nomination and did not experience the career revitalization seen by some of her contemporaries. Nevertheless, she graced the silver screen alongside Golden Era luminaries such as William Holden, Frank Sinatra, and James Stewart.
Following her departure from Hollywood in the late ’60s, Novak’s screen appearances became sporadic. She made a notable return in the ’80s with a guest arc on the primetime soap opera, “Falcon Crest”. Her final on-screen performance was in the 1991 film “Liebestraum”. The life and legacy of this Hollywood legend are now being explored in depth in “Kim Novak’s Vertigo”, directed by Alexandre O. Philippe.
The documentary presents an intimate portrait of Novak’s life, featuring candid conversations with the actress interspersed with clips from her extensive filmography. It delves into pivotal moments from her childhood, including a chilling encounter in her father’s workshop, where she discovered a jar purportedly containing the fetus of her unborn sibling. These early experiences cast a shadow over Novak’s formative years.
Novak also discusses her complicated relationship with her parents, particularly her father, whom she describes as strict and challenging. Despite the adversity she faced, Novak fondly remembers her mother as a source of strength and encouragement. She recounts her mother’s empowering words, emphasizing self-reliance and the power to shape one’s own destiny.
In a poignant moment captured in the documentary, Novak reflects on a memo discovered in her attic, dated 1953, containing paternal advice for her early days in the film industry. The memo concludes with a heartfelt message from her father, underscoring his care and affection for his daughter. This revelation elicits a profound emotional response from Novak, highlighting the complexity of her relationship with her father.
As “Kim Novak’s Vertigo” continues to captivate audiences at the Venice Film Festival, viewers are invited to witness the compelling journey of a Hollywood icon who overcame adversities to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen. Novak’s resilience and grace in the face of personal challenges serve as a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of cinema.
In conclusion, Kim Novak’s revelations in the documentary shed light on the untold chapters of her life, offering a poignant reflection on resilience, family dynamics, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
**Sources:**
– PEOPLE News
– IMDb
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