Movies, My Quora answers, Orson Welles

Which is the better movie, Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane or Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo?

A question on Quora I just had to respond to and answer, as I have seen both films numerous times and I love both…
When you try and answer this qestion, you need to realize that better or best are both subjective measurements, that we will all have our own personal opinions and responses. And, even then… what are you measuring? In order to answer this picture you have to look at the major characteristics of the film one by one… So let’s do so.

Writing: Citizen Kane, without a doubt. It had a more complex structure, witty dialogue, and won an Oscar. Vertigo is well-written, but it’s a more simple linear story.

Directing: This is a tough question, because both films are brilliantly directed. If I wanted to hedge my bets I would say “tie” but… no. Kane was better directed… but only barely.

Leading man: Gotta give it to Jimmy Stewart for Vertigo. He was magnificent.

Leading woman: Kim Novak – no question about it. I dare say her part (parts?) was harder to play than the one Jimmy Stewart had, and she delivered the goods.

Supporting Cast: Kane had the better (and larger) supporting cast, and they were all on their A game. Though I love Barbara Bel Geddes’s work in Vertigo.

Cinematography: Kane, but again, only barely.

Music: I was tempted to say a tie, since Bernard Herrman did both scores, but his work in Vertigo is transcendent.

Editing: Kane.

Visual Effects: Vertigo.

So, your score is:
Citizen Kane: 5
Vertigo: 4

So, by a nose… Citizen Kane is better. Your opinion (and your mileage) may vary…

See question on Quora

Comments are closed.