August 2, 2012 - 8:34 am
NEW YORK (AP) – Alfred Hitchcock has finally usurped Orson Welles.
Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” took the top spot in the 10 greatest-movies-ever list compiled by Sight & Sound, ending the 50-year run for Welles’ “Citizen Kane.” The magazine, published by the British Film Institute, surveys international film critics every decade.
“Citizen Kane” slid to second, making way for Hitchcock’s 1958 psychological drama starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. “Vertigo” edged “Citizen Kane” by 34 votes in the poll, which gathered lists from 846 critics, programmers, academics and distributors.
“Vertigo” has gradually inched up the poll in recent decades, as Hitchcock’s thriller has steadily grown in stature since its initial mixed reception.
Vertigo?? It’s a good movie, but it isn’t even Hitchcock’s best. I’d pick “North by Northwest” or “Notorious” before “Vertigo”. Even “The Birds” was better, no hokie camera jiggling.
Or “Rear Window” – “To Catch A Thief” – at least a dozen better Hitchcocks to choose from.
That said, any Hitchcock beats Orson Welles every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
– only because it was filmed in S.F.?