I've just watched, and I think it was utterly terrible. So many bad characters, bad performances, so many of the conversations felt so stilted. For the first half, it couldn't decide whether to be a thriller or a comedy. But hey, it's always a treat to see Marlene Dietrich. Don't know if I even want to see "Citizen Kane" at this point.

@CelluloidFan said:

The ambitious, masterfully carried-out tracking shot aside, is there anything else about the film that warrants its reputation? Or am I overrating it?

I'm not sure if I understand your question but I loved the suspense of the opening credits scene. Is a memorable scene.

@DonGable said:

I've just watched, and I think it was utterly terrible. So many bad characters, bad performances, so many of the conversations felt so stilted. For the first half, it couldn't decide whether to be a thriller or a comedy. But hey, it's always a treat to see Marlene Dietrich. Don't know if I even want to see "Citizen Kane" at this point.

Citizen Kane is waaaaay better to this film. Touch of evil is good, but is not a CLASSIC for me

@rominabe said:

@CelluloidFan said:

The ambitious, masterfully carried-out tracking shot aside, is there anything else about the film that warrants its reputation? Or am I overrating it?

I'm not sure if I understand your question but I loved the suspense of the opening credits scene. Is a memorable scene.

This is what I meant: Is there anything else about this film that makes it deserve its rep, other than the opening shot?

@BaronOfHair said:

@CelluloidFan said:

@rominabe said:

@CelluloidFan said:

The ambitious, masterfully carried-out tracking shot aside, is there anything else about the film that warrants its reputation? Or am I overrating it?

I'm not sure if I understand your question but I loved the suspense of the opening credits scene. Is a memorable scene.

This is what I meant: Is there anything else about this film that makes it deserve its rep, other than the opening shot?

Orson Welles is a director in the vein of Dario Argento and Micheal Mann, and I mean this as a compliment. The technical virtuosity of these directors is inevitably the star of all their movies. The actors are just along for the ride

I enjoyed Citizen Kane. I grasp what you mean in regard to Welles' Touch of Evil , as well. Perhaps the latter film's rep is rightly warranted.

I really love the Dennis Weaver creepy hotel owner scenes. That whole bit is one crazy exploitation-film vibe. Pre-Psycho too. But yeah it's not a classic. It's a very good film noir, but it's no where near the best. Heston is miscast -- and the brown face is just bad! Welles is having fun in his role -- playing even fatter and bloated than he actually was. All his scenes are very Welles -- especially all the actors talking over each other.