u/Extra-Drive-6079

I've just finished watching this for only the second time. Whilst I think it's a great and in many ways frightening and deeply haunting film, and I pretty much "get it", one thing does slightly confuse me (likely me just not grasping it). I was wondering why at the end of the film, Scottie - now aware Judy *was* "Madeleine"- couldn't accept her and love her the way he did before?

Is it based on the fact that originally (before the real Madeleine's death) the woman he thought he loved was really just an illusion? *Literally* just a performance? Something he knew he could never get back because it wasn't even real in the first place?

I'm guessing it's along these lines, but would appreciate some clarification.

Thanks!