Vertigo is obviously the better movie, but De Palma is so self-assured and intentional that Obsession still works. Palpable tension and excellent editing. Despite knowing the broad strokes, there were still lots of surprises in the details.
I disagree with Herrmann on the quality of his score; I mostly feel his music gets in the way this time around.
Reminds me of many of the early material from other great directors. The potential is screaming off the celluloid, but it’s not quite fully realized.