A rumor has been spreading like wildfire that we will have a new #1 greatest film of all-time when the Sight and Sound poll results are revealed tomorrow.
In 2012, Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” had dethroned Wells’ “Citizen Kane,” after a near five-decade reign at the top. Now we’re all wondering what film has taken over at the #1 spot.
My prediction still stands that Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” will be that film. It’s definitely influenced a few of the greatest of 21st Century movies, especially “Tree of Life” and “There Will Be Blood.” Kubrick has also managed to have his reputation stay intact over the last ten years, something Hitchcock might not have escaped.
Or, maybe, “The Godfather” just takes the top spot?
With the younger voting pool for this year’s poll, I just can’t see Ozu’s “Tokyo Story” making it — maybe it again tops the directors poll. Ditto Renoir’s “The Rules of the Game.” Wouldn’t it be something if Murnau’s “Sunrise,” a stunning film, somehow surprised everyone? Fat chance. You can probably also forget about Ford’s “The Searchers,” especially with its star, John Wayne, getting the ire of many people these last few years for his past controversies.
This year’s poll will most likely have the most radical changes. Going from 800 to 1600 voters is one thing, but the average age of film critics has also gotten younger. This will likely be a hipper batch of results, but let’s just hope it doesn’t go too overboard.
Duffield's "Whalefall," the survival thriller about a diver swallowed by a sperm whale, is heading toward a roughly $7M-ish opening weekend, according to the most recent Saturday update.