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Two types of innovators among film makers
This page is a temporary, sketchy introduction to the subject of experimental and conceptual innovation among film makers.
The careers of old master Alfred Hitchcock and young genius Orson Welles are contrasting examples.
Also discussed in subsequent pages are:
- Robert Altman, a largely experimental director whose more successful works came in middle age and late in his career.
- Walt Disney, a conceptually innovative film maker -- and much more -- who avoided a mid-career slump by switching to new fields of endeavor.
Alfred Hitchcock, old master
 Six top-ranked films in David Galenson’s survey of critics' ratings
- The 39 Steps, age 36
- Foreign Correspondent, age 41
- Rebecca, age 41
- Rear Window, age 55
- Vertigo, age 59
- North by Northwest, age 60
“Style in directing develops slowly and naturally.”
– Alfred Hitchcock
“Hitchcock’s mastery of the art grows greater with each film.”
-- Francois Truffaut
Orson Welles, young genius
Three top-ranked films in David Galenson’s survey of critics' ratings:
- Citizen Kane, age 26
- The Magnificent Ambersons, age 27
- Touch of Evil, age 43
“Welles was haunted by his early masterpiece, for no later work could approach its significance. ...
“The importance of Citizen Kane derived in large part from its technical innovations. This was the intentional product of careful planning.”
– David Galenson
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